Third level qualifications bodies to be merged
Four separate qualifications bodies at third level are to be abolished and replaced by a new entity, as part of government’s rationalisation programme.
The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), the Further Education Training Awards Council (FETAC), and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) are to be merged into a single body, which will also incorporate the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB).
This shake-up of the third level sector will pave the way for the abolition of the National University of Ireland (NUI), recommended by An Bord Snip in order to save an estimated €3 million yearly. The NUI is opposing the move. (Source: Sunday Business Post)