Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether or not HETAC is or will be taking new applications before the merger of HETAC, FETAC into the new National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; when this merger is expected to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21454/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In the light of the necessary preparations for the amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) into the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI), new applications for registration will not be accepted until the establishment of the new agency. The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011, which provides for the amalgamation, was introduced in Seanad Éireann. The Bill passed Seanad Committee Stage on 29 March 2012. I intend that the Bill will be enacted in the current term and Qualifications and Quality Assurance Ireland (QQAAI) will be established shortly thereafter.