Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to any proposals to change the current professional diploma in education courses from NFQ level 9 to NFQ level 8; the repercussions any such change would have for the employment potential of graduates outside Ireland as well as their pay scales within the country; the steps he will take to prevent any plans to reduce PDE courses to level eight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30623/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Following detailed consultation between the Irish universities and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland in the context of the ongoing process of implementing the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), the universities have agreed that the initial post-primary teaching qualification, hitherto known as the Higher Diploma in Education and latterly as the Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Education, is to be formally included in the NFQ at Level 8 with immediate effect.

As a result of the decision to include the initial post-primary teaching qualification at NFQ Level 8, the title 'Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma in Education' will be replaced with the new title 'Professional Diploma in Education' to avoid confusion with any Level 9 award type. All qualification titles used prior to 2011 (i.e. legacy titles) are also included in the NFQ at Level 8.

There is no effect on pay scales within Ireland. The qualification will continue to be recognised by other countries in accordance with their policies and procedures.