Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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379. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way and where a person (details supplied) can receive a decision regarding accreditation of prior learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13843/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is maintained by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in accordance with the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2012. The NFQ is a 10-level Framework of awards and the modules and qualifications of the Institute of Bankers which are referred to in the Deputy's question are not themselves recognised through the Framework.

However, it may be possible for the individual concerned to have that learning recognised in a manner which could lead to a Framework-recognised award. The usual process would be for the person concerned to approach a provider of a similar programme of education and training which leads to a Framework-recognised award and seek to have that provider recognise the learning already undertaken. This could result in a full or partial exemption from some of the learning involved in that programme. As the Institute of Bankers is now a recognised college of UCD, it may be most useful to approach UCD in the first instance. With regard to the suitability of the qualifications concerned for teaching in second or third level colleges, all teachers at post-primary level must have their qualifications recognised by, and be registered with, the Teaching Council. Therefore the individual concerned should contact the Teaching Council in order to ascertain the suitability of their qualifications. With regard to teaching at third level, qualifications requirements are set by individual educational institutions.