Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding diplomas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33738/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The National Diploma made by DIT Bolton St is a legacy award and is no longer made since the introduction of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in 2003, but has been placed at Level 7 of the NFQ. I understand from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), which is responsible for the Framework, that the placement of an existing or former award in the framework does not imply that someone holding such an award has achieved all of the outcomes associated with a new, framework-based award-type at the same level. Therefore, while the Ordinary Bachelor Degree is also at Level 7 of the Framework, holders of the National Diploma may not call their award an Ordinary Bachelor Degree. The Qualifications Recognition Service of the NQAI provides advice to individuals, on request, on the comparability of qualifications and their relationship to the NFQ.

The development of more flexible learning opportunities, which would allow adults in the workforce better engage with higher education, is a point that is emphasised in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030. It recommends realigning the funding model for higher education institutions so that it is neutral in respect of mode of programme delivery (full-time, part-time, on-campus, off-campus). The process of implementing the recommendations in the Strategy has commenced and the implementation Plan for the Strategy is published on my Department's website.