Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

2732. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review of QQI Level 5 awards for healthcare assistants and pre-nursing students in the further education sector; the work carried out to date; the timeline for completion of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national awarding body for further education and training and most private higher education providers. QQI works in partnership with providers and stakeholders to develop and maintain award standards.

In line with the Outline Action Plan for Review and Renewal of QQI Common Award Standards (www.qqi.ie/sites/default/files/2023-12/outline-action-plan-for-review-and-renewal-of-qqi-common-award-standards.pdf), further education and training healthcare award standards at Levels 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) have been identified by QQI as a priority for review.

This review commenced in June 2024 with the establishment by QQI of an Expert Standards Review and Development Group. Membership of this group includes representatives from the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), relevant professions, employer bodies, and education and training providers.

The review encompasses consideration of:

• the extent to which the current suite of QQI awards standards meet current and projected skills demand,
• the relevant healthcare occupations to be supported by QQI qualifications,
• the range of occupational settings where QQI qualifications are expected to be used,
• the essential knowledge, skill and competence requirements for identified occupations and any unique setting specific requirements; and
• the appropriate transversal skills requirements.