Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to Quality and Qualifications Ireland and its establishment, the cost of rebranding, new stationery and facilities and refurbishment of offices for the organisation; the cost of overall website design and rebranding; if an external PR or design company was employed to develop or undertake the rebranding; the cost of any such external companies employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30913/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) was established on 6 November 2012 through the amalgamation of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). QQI was also given responsibility for the functions of the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB), a company established by the universities to act as an external quality assurance body to them.

Each of the legacy bodies had its own offices and it was decided that the new body would be housed in the former premises of HETAC in Dublin 2. In order to accommodate increased staff numbers it was necessary to undertake substantial works to reconfigure those premises, the cost of which was approximately €713,000. However, this allowed the new body to vacate the premises formerly occupied by NQAI in the city centre and FETAC in East Point Business Park, resulting in rent savings of approximately €400,000 per annum.

QQI also engaged a number of companies to provide services relating to the change of corporate identity, at a total cost of approximately €48,000. This included web design (including interactive elements), design artwork and layout of stationery, including a print run of 10,000 letterheads, envelopes and other items, amendments to certificates and provision of new QQI signage.