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Number 26 of 1999
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND TRAINING) ACT, 1999
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary And General
Section | |
1. | Short title, commencement, collective citation and construction. |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
National Qualifications Authority Of Ireland
5. | Establishment of National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. |
6. | |
7. | |
8. | |
9. | |
10. | |
11. |
Further Education And Training Awards Council
The Council: General Provisions
12. | Establishment of Further Education and Training Awards Council. |
13. | |
14. | |
15. | |
16. | |
17. | Appeals to Authority against refusal or withdrawal of validation. |
18. |
Delegation of Authority
19. | |
20. |
Higher Education And Training Awards Council
The Council: General Provisions
21. | Establishment of Higher Education and Training Awards Council. |
22. | |
23. | |
24. | |
25. | |
26. | |
27. | Appeals to Authority against refusal or withdrawal of validation. |
28. |
Delegation of Authority
29. | |
30. |
Charters
31. |
Amendment of Act of 1992
32. |
Dissolution of National Council for Educational Awards, etc.
33. | |
34. | |
35. | |
36. | Preservation of certain continuing contracts and adaptation of references. |
37. | Repeal of National Council for Educational Awards Act, 1979. |
Dublin Institute Of Technology
38. | |
39. |
Universities
Role of Universities
40. |
Universities established under section 9 of Act of 1997
41. | |
42. |
Protection For Learners
43. | |
44. | |
45. | |
46. | Information to be furnished by provider: access, transfer and progression. |
47. |
General Provisions
48. | |
49. | |
50. | |
51. | |
52. | |
53. | Membership of either House of Oireachtas or European Parliament. |
54. | |
55. | |
56. | |
57. | |
58. | |
59. | |
60. | |
61. | |
62. | |
63. | |
64. | |
65. | Provider not to be described as institute of technology or regional technical college. |
66. |
Membership And Meetings
Chief Executive
Superannuation
Acts Referred To | ||
Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990 | ||
Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993 | 1993, No. 8 | |
Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992 | 1992, No. 15 | |
Dublin Institute of Technology Acts, 1992 and 1994 | ||
European Parliament Elections Act, 1997 | 1997, No. 2 | |
Higher Education Authority Act, 1971 | 1971, No. 22 | |
Labour Services Act, 1987 | 1987, No. 15 | |
National Council for Educational Awards Act, 1979 | 1979, No. 30 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 14 & 15 Vic., c. 93 | |
Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992 | 1992, No. 16 | |
Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992 to 1999 | ||
Universities Act, 1997 | 1997, No. 24 | |
Vocational Education Act, 1930 | 1930, No. 29 | |
Number 26 of 1999
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND TRAINING) ACT, 1999
PART I
Preliminary And General
Short title, commencement, collective citation and construction.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as the Minister may appoint by order or orders either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision and different days may be so appointed for different purposes or different provisions.
(3) (a) Chapter IV of Part IV and, in so far as they relate to that Chapter, this section and section 2 shall be construed as one with the Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992 to 1999, and shall be included in the collective citation “the Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992 to 1999”.
(b) The Dublin Institute of Technology Acts, 1992 and 1994, Part V and, in so far as they relate to that Part, this section and section 2 may be cited together as the Dublin Institute of Technology Acts, 1992 to 1999, and shall be construed together as one.
(c) The Universities Act, 1997, Part VI and, in so far as they relate to that Part, this section and section 2 may be cited together as the Universities Acts, 1997 and 1999, and shall be construed together as one.
(d) The Labour Services Act, 1987, section 62 and, in so far as they relate to that section, this section and section 2, may be cited together as the Labour Services Acts, 1987 and 1999, and shall be construed together as one.
Interpretation.
2.—(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“access” means the process by which learners may commence a programme of education and training having received recognition for knowledge, skill or competence acquired;
“Act of 1992” means the Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992;
“Act of 1997” means the Universities Act, 1997;
“award” means an award which is conferred, granted or given by an awarding body and which records that a learner has acquired a standard of knowledge, skill or competence, and references in this Act to “award” shall include references to a “further education and training award” or to a “higher education and training award”;
“awarding body” means a body which makes awards;
“CERT” means the company entitled “CERT, the State Tourism Training Agency”, incorporated on the 7th day of November, 1963;
“charter” means a charter of a recognised institution referred to in section 31;
“chief executive” means the chief executive of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, appointed under section 50, and includes a person acting in that office or performing the duties of a chief executive where he or she has been duly authorised to do so;
“completion rate” means the number of learners who complete a programme of education and training expressed as a percentage of the number of learners who commenced the programme concerned;
“employee”, in relation to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, means a person employed by any of them in any capacity, and includes an officer of any of them;
“An Foras” means An Foras Áiseanna Saothair;
“framework of qualifications” has the meaning assigned to it by section 7;
“functions” includes powers and duties and a reference to the performance of functions includes, with respect to powers and duties, a reference to the exercise of the powers and the carrying out of the duties;
“further education and training” means education and training other than primary or post-primary education or higher education and training, which is determined by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland under section 10 to be further education and training;
“Further Education and Training Awards Council” means the body established under section 12;
“higher education and training” means education and training, other than primary or post-primary education or further education and training, which is determined by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland under section 10 to be higher education and training;
“Higher Education and Training Awards Council” means the body established under section 21;
“interim chief executive” means a person appointed by the Minister to be the interim chief executive of a relevant body under section 51;
“learner” means a person who is acquiring or who has acquired knowledge, skill or competence;
“Minister” means the Minister for Education and Science;
“National Council for Vocational Awards” means the ad hoc body of that name established by the Minister;
“National Qualifications Authority of Ireland” means the body established under section 5;
“National Tourism Certification Board” means the body established by CERT and the Minister for the purposes of making awards in respect of programmes of education and training relating to tourism;
“officer”, in relation to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, includes—
(a) the chief executive,
(b) a person who immediately before the commencement of Chapter V of Part IV is an officer of the National Council for Educational Awards, and
(c) such other employees as the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, may from time to time determine;
“programme of education and training” means any process by which learners may acquire knowledge, skill or competence and includes courses of study or instruction, apprenticeships, training and employment and references to “programme” shall be construed accordingly;
“progression” means the process by which learners may transfer from one programme of education and training to another programme where each programme is of a higher level than the preceding programme;
“provider of a programme of education and training” means a person who, or body which, provides, organises or procures a programme of education and training and references to “provider” shall be construed accordingly;
“recognised institutions” means the institutions specified in section 24;
“special educational and training needs” means the educational and training needs of learners who have a disability;
“Teagasc” means Teagasc — The Agriculture and Food Development Authority;
“transfer” means the process by which learners may transfer from one programme of education and training to another programme having received recognition for knowledge, skill or competence acquired;
“An tÚdarás” means An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas;
“university” means a university specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 4(1) of the Universities Act, 1997;
“validation” means the process by which an awarding body shall satisfy itself that a learner may attain knowledge, skill or competence for the purpose of an award made by the awarding body and cognate words shall be construed accordingly;
“vocational education committee” means a committee established under section 7 of the Vocational Education Act, 1930.
(2) In this Act—
(a) a reference to a section, Chapter or Part is a reference to a section, Chapter or Part of this Act, unless it is indicated that a reference to some other enactment is intended,
(b) a reference to a subsection, paragraph or subparagraph is a reference to a subsection, paragraph or subparagraph of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that a reference to some other provision is intended,
(c) a reference to a Schedule is a reference to a Schedule to this Act, and
(d) a reference to any other enactment shall, except where the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.
Expenses.
3.—The expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
Objects of Act.
4.—(1) The objects of this Act shall be as follows:
(a) to establish and develop standards of knowledge, skill or competence;
(b) to promote the quality of further education and training and higher education and training;
(c) to provide a system for co-ordinating and comparing education and training awards;
(d) to promote and maintain procedures for transfer and progression;
(e) to facilitate lifelong learning through the promotion of access and opportunities for all learners, including learners with special educational and training needs;
(f) to promote the recognition of knowledge, skill or competence acquired through research, adult and continuing education and training and employment;
(g) to contribute to the realisation of national education and training policies and objectives and, in particular, to meeting the education and training requirements of industry, including agriculture, business, tourism, trade, the professions and the public service;
(h) to promote co-operation between providers of programmes of education and training and industry, including agriculture, business, tourism, trade, the professions and the public service;
(i) to promote recognition outside the State of awards made by bodies in the State and recognition in the State of awards made by bodies outside the State;
(j) having regard to the traditions of providers of education and training, to promote diversity in education and training between further education and training and higher education and training and within each of these; and
(k) to contribute to the realisation of national policy and objectives in relation to the extension of bi-lingualism in Irish society and, in particular, the achievement of a greater use of the Irish language and to contribute to the promotion of the distinctive cultures of Ireland.
(2) Every body and person concerned in the implementation of this Act shall have regard in exercising their functions under this Act to the objects specified in subsection (1).
PART II
National Qualifications Authority Of Ireland
Establishment of National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.
5.—(1) There shall stand established a body to be known as Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann or in the English language as the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (in this Act referred to as the “Authority”) to perform the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2) The Authority shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and an official seal and power to sue and be sued in its corporate name and, with the consent of the Minister, to acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in land and to acquire, hold and dispose of any other property.
Membership of Authority.
6.—(1) The Authority shall consist of 14 members.
(2) The members of the Authority shall be—
(a) the chairperson of the Authority,
(b) the chief executive of the Authority,
(c) two persons nominated by the Minister, one of whom shall be a person who, in the opinion of the Minister, is representative of community and voluntary organisations,
(d) one person nominated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
(e) the chairperson of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council,
(f) the chairperson of the Further Education and Training Awards Council,
(g) one person nominated by universities,
(h) one person who, in the opinion of the Minister after consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is representative of learners,
(i) one person nominated by Forfás,
(j) one person nominated by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation,
(k) one person nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and
(l) two persons nominated in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) Subject to subsection (1), the Authority shall nominate as members two persons who have a special knowledge and experience related to the functions of the Authority, at least one of whom shall be a person with international experience related to those functions.
(4) The First Schedule shall apply to the Authority.
(5) The Minister may make regulations for the purposes of nominations to be made under subsection (2) or (3).
(6) Where a nomination is made under subsection (2) or (3), regard shall be had to the desirability of an appropriate gender balance and where a person or body has more than one nomination under this section, the person or body shall nominate at least one male and at least one female.
Objects of Authority.
7.—The objects of the Authority shall be as follows:
(a) to establish and maintain a framework, being a framework for the development, recognition and award of qualifications in the State (in this Act referred to as a “framework of qualifications”), based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners;
(b) to establish and promote the maintenance and improvement of the standards of further education and training awards and higher education and training awards of the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Dublin Institute of Technology and universities established under section 9 of the Act of 1997; and
(c) to promote and facilitate access, transfer and progression.
Functions of Authority.
8.—(1) The functions of the Authority are to do all things necessary or expedient in accordance with this Act to further the objects of the Authority.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Authority shall—
(a) establish the policies and criteria on which the framework of qualifications shall be based,
(b) review the operation of the framework of qualifications having regard to the objects specified in section 7,
(c) establish, in consultation with the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, procedures for the performance by them of their functions and shall review those procedures from time to time,
(d) determine the procedures to be implemented by providers of programmes of education and training for access, transfer and progression and shall publish those procedures in such form and manner as the Authority thinks fit,
(e) ensure, in consultation with the Dublin Institute of Technology and universities established under section 9 of the Act of 1997, that the procedures referred to in paragraph (d) are being implemented by them,
(f) facilitate and advise universities in implementing the procedures referred to in paragraph (d) and from time to time and in any case not less than once in every five years, in consultation with An tÚdarás, review the implementation of those procedures by universities, and publish the outcomes of such a review in such form and manner as it thinks fit,
(g) consult with and advise the Minister or any other Minister, as the case may be, on such matters in respect of its functions as the Minister or any other Minister may request or as the Authority sees fit, and
(h) (i) liaise with bodies outside the State which make education and training awards for the purposes of facilitating the recognition in the State of education and training awards made by those bodies, and
(ii) facilitate recognition outside the State of education and training awards made in the State.
(3) The Authority, in the performance of its functions, shall—
(a) inform itself of the education, training, skills and qualifications requirements of industry, including agriculture, business, tourism, trade, the professions and the public service, including the level of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners and promote practices in education and training which meet those requirements,
(b) inform itself of practices outside the State in respect of matters relevant to its functions,
(c) give effect to the policies relating to education and training which from time to time are established, and notified in writing to the Authority, by the Minister, or by any other Minister with the agreement of the Minister, following consultation with the Authority, and
(d) consult, as it considers appropriate, with universities, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the Dublin Institute of Technology, recognised institutions, An Foras, CERT, Teagasc, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, educational or training institutions established by a vocational education committee, other providers of education and training, persons, or bodies of persons, who represent employees of providers of education and training or who represent learners, An tÚdarás, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and such other persons or bodies of persons as the Authority considers appropriate, and the Authority shall consider the views, if any, of those bodies for the purpose of determining the procedures referred to in subsection (2)(d).
Review by Authority.
9.—(1) The Authority may from time to time review the performance by the Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of its functions and may make such recommendations to the Council concerned in respect of that performance, as the Authority thinks fit.
(2) The Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council shall implement recommendations, if any, made by the Authority under subsection (1).
(3) The Authority shall publish in such form and manner as it considers appropriate the results of a review under subsection (1).
Determination by Authority.
10.—(1) Subject to subsection (3), the Authority may determine—
(a) whether any particular programme of education and training is higher education and training or further education and training, or
(b) whether the standard of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by a learner for the purposes of an award is at the level of a further education and training award or of a higher education and training award.
(2) In making a determination under subsection (1) the Authority shall have regard, as the Authority considers appropriate, to—
(a) the programme of education and training concerned, or
(b) the standard of knowledge, skill or competence acquired by a learner however acquired, or
(c) the programme of education and training concerned and the standard of knowledge, skill or competence acquired by a learner however acquired.
(3) A programme of education and training, which leads to the attainment by learners of a standard of knowledge, skill or competence which is not higher than the level at which, before the 3rd day of March, 1999, the National Council for Vocational Awards has made awards, shall be deemed to be further education and training, unless otherwise determined by the Authority under subsection (1).
Grants.
11.—(1) In each year there shall be paid by the Minister, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, to the Authority, a grant or grants of such amount as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, thinks fit.
(2) In each year there may be paid by the Authority, out of moneys received by it under subsection (1), a grant or grants, of such amount as the Authority thinks fit, to the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and to the Further Education and Training Awards Council.
(3) A payment under subsection (2) to the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or to the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, shall be made in such manner and subject to such conditions as the Authority thinks fit.
PART III
Further Education And Training Awards Council
Chapter I
The Council: General Provisions
Establishment of Further Education and Training Awards Council.
12.—(1) There shall stand established a body to be known as Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna or in the English language as the Further Education and Training Awards Council (in this Part referred to as “the Council”) to perform the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2) The Council shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and an official seal and power to sue and be sued in its corporate name and, with the consent of the Minister, to acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in land and to acquire, hold and dispose of any other property.
(3) A further education and training award of the National Council for Vocational Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, An Foras, the National Tourism Certification Board or Teagasc, which was made before the commencement of this Part, shall be deemed to be an award made by the Council.
(4) The Council may, for a period of five years from the commencement of this Part, make or recognise further education and training awards where it is satisfied that the National Council for Vocational Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, An Foras, the National Tourism Certification Board or Teagasc—
(a) had, before the commencement of this Part, validated, or
(b) would, but for the commencement of this Part, have validated,
the programme of education and training concerned for the purposes of making or recognising further education and training awards.
Membership of Council.
13.—(1) The Council shall consist of 18 members.
(2) The members of the Council shall be—
(a) the chairperson of the Council,
(b) the chief executive of the Council,
(c) the chief executive of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council,
(d) two persons nominated by the Minister,
(e) two persons nominated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
(f) two persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, are representative of educational or training institutions established and maintained by a vocational education committee,
(g) one person who, in the opinion of the Minister after consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is representative of learners participating in programmes of further education and training,
(h) one person who, in the opinion of the Minister after consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is representative of employees of providers of programmes of further education and training,
(i) one person nominated by CERT,
(j) one person nominated by Teagasc,
(k) one person nominated by An Foras,
(l) one person nominated by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation,
(m) one person nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and
(n) two persons nominated in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) Subject to subsection (1), the Council shall nominate as members two persons who have a special knowledge and experience related to the functions of the Council, at least one of whom shall be a person with relevant international experience related to those functions.
(4) The First Schedule shall apply to the Council.
(5) The Minister may make regulations for the purposes of nominations to be made under subsection (2) or (3).
(6) Where a nomination is made under subsection (2) or (3), regard shall be had to the desirability of an appropriate gender balance and where a person or body has more than one nomination under this section, the person or body shall nominate at least one male and at least one female.
Functions of Council
14.—(1) The functions of the Council shall be as follows:
(a) to establish and publish, in such form and manner as it thinks fit, policies and criteria for—
(i) the making of further education and training awards, and
(ii) the validation of programmes of further education and training,
and to review such policies and criteria not less than once in every five years;
(b) to determine standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners—
(i) before a further education and training award may be made by the Council or by a provider of a programme of education and training to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 19, or
(ii) who request from the Council recognition of an award made by a body other than the Council or a provider to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 19;
(c) to make or recognise further education and training awards given or to be given to persons who apply for those awards and who, in the opinion of the Council, have achieved the standard determined by the Council under paragraph (b);
(d) to monitor and evaluate the quality of programmes of education and training in respect of which awards are made or recognised under paragraph (c);
(e) to ensure that—
(i) providers of programmes of education and training whose programmes are validated under section 15, and
(ii) providers of programmes of education and training to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 19,
establish procedures for the assessment of learners which are fair and consistent and for the purpose of compliance with standards determined by the Council under paragraph (b);
(f) to promote the further education and training awards of the Council;
(g) to facilitate and assist the Authority in carrying out its functions;
(h) to consult with and advise the Minister or any other Minister, as the case may be, on such matters in respect of its functions as the Minister or any other Minister may request or as the Council thinks fit, and to inform the Authority of any such consultation and advice, and
(i) to do all such acts or things as are necessary or expedient for the purpose of the exercise of its functions.
(2) The Council, in the performance of its functions, shall—
(a) consult, as it considers appropriate, with providers of further education and training or other persons or bodies,
(b) following consultation with the Authority, inform itself of practices outside the State in respect of matters relevant to its functions,
(c) following consultation with the Authority, inform itself of the education, training, skill and qualifications requirements of industry, including agriculture, business, tourism, trade, the professions and the public service, including the level of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners and promote practices in further education and training which meet those requirements, and
(d) ensure that procedures for access, transfer and progression determined by the Authority under section 8(2)(d) are implemented by—
(i) providers of programmes of education and training whose programmes are validated under section 15, and
(ii) providers of programmes of education and training to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 19.
(3) The Council may request—
(a) a provider of programmes of education and training whose programmes are validated under section 15, or
(b) a provider of programmes of education and training to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 19,
to assist the Council in forming an opinion as to whether a person has achieved the standard determined by the Council under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) for the purpose of making or recognising a further education and training award under paragraph (c) of that subsection.
Validation of programmes by Council.
15.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a provider of a programme of education and training may apply to the Council for validation of that programme.
(2) (a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) and subsection (3), recognised institutions, An Foras, CERT, Teagasc, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, any educational or training institution established and maintained by a vocational education committee and any school providing post-primary education, shall apply under subsection (1) to the Council to have all programmes of further education and training which they provide, organise or procure validated by the Council, other than those programmes which are provided as a leisure or recreational activity and which are not intended to lead to an award under this Act.
(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to a programme of further education and training in respect of which a provider has authority delegated to it under section 19 to make an award.
(c) Where a recognised institution has entered into arrangements or made arrangements under section 5(1)(b) of the Act of 1992, subject to the agreement of the Council and the Authority, paragraph (a) shall not apply to a programme of further education and training provided by such recognised institution for such period, not exceeding five years from the commencement of this Part, as may be determined by the Council with the agreement of the Authority.
(3) Where a programme of further education and training is organised or procured, in whole or in part, by a provider (“the first mentioned provider”) and is provided, in whole or in part, by another provider (“the second mentioned provider”), the first mentioned provider shall consult with the second mentioned provider before making an application for validation under subsection (1) or (2).
(4) The Council may, on receipt of an application under subsection (1) or (2)—
(a) subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, validate a programme of education and training where it is satisfied that the programme concerned meets the criteria determined by the Council under paragraph (a)(ii) of section 14(1), or
(b) refuse validation.
(5) The conditions referred to in subsection (4)(a) shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, conditions requiring the provider concerned to—
(a) co-operate with and assist the Council, and the Authority where appropriate, in the performance of their functions,
(b) establish the procedures referred to in section 14(1)(e),
(c) implement the procedures referred to in section 14(2)(d), and
(d) provide such information as the Council may from time to time require for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Council, including information in respect of completion rates.
Withdrawal of validation.
16.—(1) The Council may, at any time, review a programme of education and training validated under section 15.
(2) Following a review under subsection (1), where the Council is of the opinion—
(a) that a programme of education and training validated under section 15 no longer meets the criteria determined by the Council under paragraph (a)(ii) of section 14(1), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under paragraph (a) of section 15(4) are not being complied with, or
(c) that there are other reasonable grounds for withdrawing its validation,
the Council shall inform the provider of the programme concerned, by notice in writing, of its opinion and the reasons for that opinion and the notice shall state that the provider may make representations to the Council in relation to that opinion not later than one month after the receipt of the notice by the provider.
(3) Where, after the expiration of one month from the service of the notice referred to in subsection (2) and after consideration of any representations made to the Council, the Council remains of that opinion, it may withdraw its validation of the programme concerned, by notice in writing addressed to the provider, from such date as it considers appropriate and having regard to the interests of the learners concerned and until such time as it may be satisfied of whichever of the following is appropriate—
(a) that the programme concerned meets the criteria determined by the Council under paragraph (a)(ii) of section 14(1), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under paragraph (a) of section 15(4) are being complied with, or
(c) that the grounds for withdrawing validation referred to in subsection (2)(c) no longer exist.
Appeals to Authority against refusal or withdrawal of validation.
17.—(1) Where the Council refuses to validate a programme of education and training under section 15 or withdraws its validation of a programme under section 16, the provider of the programme concerned may appeal that refusal or withdrawal to the Authority which may, following consultation with the Council—
(a) confirm the decision of the Council, or
(b) annul the decision of the Council and substitute its decision for the decision of the Council.
(2) The Council shall comply with a decision made by the Authority under subsection (1)(b).
Quality assurance.
18.—(1) Subject to subsection (6), as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Part and at such other times as the Council after consultation with the provider concerned thinks fit, a provider of a programme of education and training—
(a) whose programme has been validated by the Council under section 15, or
(b) to which authority has been delegated under section 19 to make awards in respect of such programme,
shall, having regard to existing procedures, if any, establish procedures for quality assurance for the purpose of further improving and maintaining the quality of education and training which is provided, organised or procured by that provider as part of the programme concerned and shall agree those procedures with the Council.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the procedures established under that subsection shall include—
(a) the evaluation at regular intervals and as directed from time to time by the Council of the programme of education and training concerned, including evaluation by persons who are competent to make national and international comparisons in that respect,
(b) evaluation by learners of that programme, and
(c) evaluation of services related to that programme,
and shall provide for the publication in such form and manner as the Council thinks fit of findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(3) The Council shall consider the findings arising out of the application of procedures established under subsection (1) and may make recommendations to the provider of the programme concerned which that provider shall implement.
(4) The Council shall, from time to time and as directed from time to time by the Authority, in consultation with the provider of a programme of education and training, review the effectiveness of the procedures established under subsection (1) and the implementation by the provider concerned of the findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(5) The Council shall—
(a) report to the Authority on, and
(b) publish in such form and manner as the Authority thinks fit,
the results of a review under subsection (4) and shall include in the report and publication the views, if any, of the provider of the programme concerned.
(6) Where a programme of further education and training is organised or procured, in whole or in part, by a provider (“the first mentioned provider”) and is provided, in whole or in part, by another provider (“the second mentioned provider”), the first mentioned provider shall, in addition to the requirements specified in subsection (1), in so far as the procedures to be established under that subsection relate to that part of the programme provided by the second mentioned provider, agree those procedures with the second mentioned provider.
Chapter II
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority to make awards.
19.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), An Foras, CERT or Teagasc (in this Chapter referred to as a “relevant provider”), as the case may be, may request the Council to delegate to it the authority to make further education and training awards.
(2) Where a programme of further education and training is organised or procured, in whole or in part, by a relevant provider and is provided, in whole or in part, by any other provider, the relevant provider shall consult with such other provider before making a request under subsection (1) for delegation of authority to make awards in respect of that programme.
(3) Upon receipt of a request under subsection (1), the Council shall determine and publish, in such form and manner as it thinks fit, criteria for the purposes of this section and shall, in accordance with subsection (4), review—
(a) the operation and management of the relevant provider concerned in relation to programmes of further education and training provided, organised or procured by that provider, and
(b) those programmes.
(4) In carrying out a review under subsection (3), the Council shall implement procedures agreed from time to time with the Authority which procedures shall include—
(a) evaluation by the relevant provider of—
(i) the operation and management of the relevant provider concerned in relation to programmes of further education and training provided, organised or procured by that provider, and
(ii) those programmes,
(b) where the Council, with the agreement of the Authority, is satisfied with the result of the evaluation referred to in paragraph (a), subsequent evaluation by such persons who have a particular knowledge and experience related to further education and training, as the Council considers appropriate, including persons with relevant international experience, and
(c) publication, in such form and manner as the Council thinks fit, of a report on the findings of those evaluations.
(5) Where the Council is satisfied, with the agreement of the Authority, following a review under subsection (3), that—
(a) the operation and management of a relevant provider in relation to programmes of further education and training provided, organised or procured by that provider, and
(b) those programmes,
meet the criteria determined by the Council for the purposes of this section with the agreement of the Authority, then the Council may delegate to that provider the authority to make such further education and training awards, subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, as the Council specifies by notice in writing to the relevant provider concerned and the Authority.
(6) The conditions referred to in subsection (5) shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, conditions requiring the relevant provider to—
(a) co-operate with and assist the Council, and the Authority where appropriate, in the performance of their functions,
(b) establish the procedures referred to in section 14(1)(e),
(c) implement the procedures referred to in section 14(2)(d), and
(d) provide such information as the Council requires for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Council, including information in respect of completion rates.
(7) The Council shall, for the purpose of determining the conditions referred to in subsection (5), have regard, in particular, to programmes, if any, referred to in subsection (2).
Review and withdrawal of delegated authority.
20.—(1) The Council shall from time to time as it thinks fit and in any case not less than once in every five years, or as directed from time to time by the Authority, review, in such manner as it thinks fit—
(a) the operation and management of a relevant provider, to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 19, in relation to programmes of further education and training provided, organised or procured by that provider, and
(b) those programmes.
(2) Where the Council, having carried out a review under subsection (1), is of the opinion—
(a) (i) that the operation or management of the relevant provider concerned in relation to programmes of further education and training provided, organised or procured by that provider, or
(ii) that those programmes,
do not meet the criteria determined by the Council under section 19(5), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under section 19(5) are not being complied with, or
(c) that there are other reasonable grounds for withdrawing the authority to make awards delegated to that provider under section 19,
it shall inform the relevant provider concerned, by notice in writing, of its opinion and the reasons for that opinion and the notice shall state that the relevant provider may make representations to the Council in relation to that withdrawal not later than three months after the receipt of the notice by that provider.
(3) Where, after the expiration of three months from the service of the notice referred to in subsection (2) and after consideration of any representations made to the Council, the Council remains of that opinion it may withdraw the authority to make awards delegated to the relevant provider under section 19, by notice in writing addressed to that provider, from such date as it considers appropriate and until such time as it may be satisfied of whichever of the following is appropriate—
(a) (i) that the operation and management of the relevant provider concerned in relation to programmes of further education and training provided, organised or procured by that provider, or
(ii) that those programmes.
meet the criteria determined by the Council under section 19(5), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under section 19(5) are being complied with, or
(c) that the grounds referred to in subsection (2)(c) for withdrawing the authority to make awards no longer exist.
(4) A review under subsection (1) shall be carried out in accordance with such procedures as may be determined from time to time by the Council with the agreement of the Authority and those procedures shall provide for an appeal to the Authority against a decision to withdraw the authority to make awards delegated under section 19.
PART IV
Higher Education And Training Awards Council
Chapter I
The Council: General Provisions
Establishment of Higher Education and Training Awards Council.
21.—(1) There shall stand established a body to be known as Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna or in the English language as the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (in this Part referred to as “the Council”) to perform the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
(2) The Council shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and an official seal and power to sue and be sued in its corporate name and, with the consent of the Minister, to acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in land and to acquire, hold and dispose of any other property.
(3) A higher education and training award of the National Council for Educational Awards, the National Council for Vocational Awards, An Foras, the National Tourism Certification Board or Teagasc, which was made before the commencement of this Part, shall be deemed to be an award made by the Council.
(4) The Council may, for a period of five years from the commencement of this Part, make or recognise higher education and training awards where it is satisfied that the National Council for Educational Awards, the National Council for Vocational Awards, An Foras, the National Tourism Certification Board or Teagasc—
(a) had, before the commencement of this Part, validated, or
(b) would, but for the commencement of this Part, have validated,
the programme of education and training concerned for the purposes of making or recognising higher education and training awards.
Membership of Council.
22.—(1) The Council shall consist of 15 members.
(2) The members of the Council shall be—
(a) the chairperson of the Council,
(b) the chief executive of the Council,
(c) the chief executive of the Further Education and Training Awards Council,
(d) two persons nominated by the Minister, one of whom shall be a person who, in the opinion of the Minister, is representative of providers of education and training, other than recognised institutions,
(e) one person nominated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
(f) three persons nominated by recognised institutions,
(g) one person who, in the opinion of the Minister, is representative of learners in recognised institutions,
(h) one person who, in the opinion of the Minister, is representative of employees of recognised institutions,
(i) one person nominated by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation,
(j) one person nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and
(k) two persons nominated in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) Subject to subsection (1), the Council shall nominate as members two persons who have a special knowledge and experience related to the functions of the Council, at least one of whom shall be a person with relevant international experience related to those functions.
(4) The First Schedule shall apply to the Council.
(5) The Minister may make regulations for the purposes of nominations to be made under subsection (2) or (3).
(6) Where a nomination is made under subsection (2) or (3), regard shall be had to the desirability of an appropriate gender balance and where a person or body has more than one nomination under this section, the person or body shall nominate at least one male and at least one female.
Functions of Council.
23.—(1) The functions of the Council shall be as follows:
(a) to establish and publish, in such form and manner as it thinks fit, policies and criteria for—
(i) the making of higher education and training awards, and
(ii) the validation of programmes of higher education and training,
and to review such policies and criteria not less than once in every five years;
(b) to determine standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners—
(i) before a higher education and training award may be made by the Council or by a recognised institution to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 29, or
(ii) who request from the Council recognition of an award made by a body other than the Council or a recognised institution to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 29;
(c) to make or recognise higher education and training awards given or to be given to persons who apply for those awards and who, in the opinion of the Council, have achieved the standard determined by the Council under paragraph (b);
(d) to monitor and evaluate the quality of programmes of education and training in respect of which awards are made or recognised under paragraph (c);
(e) to ensure that—
(i) providers of programmes of education and training whose programmes are validated under section 25, and
(ii) recognised institutions to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 29,
establish procedures for the assessment of learners which are fair and consistent and for the purpose of compliance with standards determined by the Council under paragraph (b);
(f) to promote the higher education and training awards of the Council;
(g) to facilitate and assist the Authority in carrying out its functions;
(h) to consult with and advise the Minister or any other Minister, as the case may be, on such matters in respect of its functions as the Minister or any other Minister may request or as the Council thinks fit, and to inform the Authority of any such consultation and advice, and
(i) to do all such acts or things as are necessary or expedient for the purpose of the exercise of its functions.
(2) The Council, in the performance of its functions, shall—
(a) consult, as it considers appropriate, with providers of higher education and training or other persons or bodies,
(b) following consultation with the Authority, inform itself of practices outside the State in respect of matters relevant to its functions,
(c) following consultation with the Authority, inform itself of the education, training, skills and qualifications requirements of industry, including agriculture, business, tourism, trade, the professions and the public service, including the level of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners and promote practices in higher education and training which meet those requirements, and
(d) ensure that procedures for access, transfer and progression determined by the Authority under section 8(2)(d) are implemented by—
(i) providers of programmes of education and training whose programmes are validated under section 25, and
(ii) recognised institutions to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 29.
(3) The Council may request—
(a) a provider of programmes of education and training whose programmes are validated under section 25, or
(b) a recognised institution to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 29,
to assist the Council in forming an opinion as to whether a person has achieved the standard determined by the Council under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) for the purpose of making or recognising a higher education and training award under paragraph (c) of that subsection.
Recognised institutions of Council.
24.—(1) The recognised institutions of the Council shall be—
(a) the institutions established by or under section 3 of the Act of 1992, and
(b) any other institution which is designated as a recognised institution of the Council under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister may, following consultation with recognised institutions and subject to the agreement of the educational or training institution concerned, by order designate an educational or training institution established—
(a) by or under an Act of the Oireachtas, or
(b) by a Minister or by the Government,
as a recognised institution of the Council.
Validation of programmes by Council.
25.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a provider of a programme of education and training may apply to the Council for validation of that programme.
(2) (a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) and subsection (3), recognised institutions, An Foras, CERT, Teagasc and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara shall apply under subsection (1) to the Council to have all programmes of higher education and training which they provide, organise or procure validated by the Council.
(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to a programme of higher education and training in respect of which a recognised institution has authority delegated to it under section 29 to make an award.
(c) Where a recognised institution has entered into arrangements or made arrangements under section 5(1)(b) of the Act of 1992, subject to the agreement of the Council and the Authority, paragraph (a) shall not apply to a programme of higher education and training provided by such recognised institution for such period, not exceeding five years from the commencement of this Part, as may be determined by the Council with the agreement of the Authority.
(3) Where a programme of higher education and training is organised or procured, in whole or in part, by a provider (“the first mentioned provider”) and is provided, in whole or in part, by another provider (“the second mentioned provider”), the first mentioned provider shall consult with the second mentioned provider before making an application for validation under subsection (1) or (2).
(4) The Council may, on receipt of an application under subsection (1) or (2)—
(a) subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, validate a programme of education and training where it is satisfied that the programme concerned meets the criteria determined by the Council under paragraph (a)(ii) of section 23(1), or
(b) refuse validation.
(5) The conditions referred to in subsection (4)(a) shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, conditions requiring the provider concerned to—
(a) co-operate with and assist the Council, and the Authority where appropriate, in the performance of their functions,
(b) establish the procedures referred to in section 23(1)(e),
(c) implement the procedures referred to in section 23(2)(d), and
(d) provide such information as the Council may from time to time require for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Council, including information in respect of completion rates.
Withdrawal of validation.
26.—(1) The Council may, at any time, review a programme of education and training validated under section 25.
(2) Following a review under subsection (1), where the Council is of the opinion—
(a) that a programme of education and training validated under section 25 no longer meets the criteria determined by the Council under paragraph (a)(ii) of section 23(1), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under paragraph (a) of section 25(4) are not being complied with, or
(c) that there are other reasonable grounds for withdrawing its validation.
the Council shall inform the provider of the programme concerned, by notice in writing, of its opinion and the reasons for that opinion and the notice shall state that the provider may make representations to the Council in relation to that opinion not later than one month after the receipt of the notice by the provider.
(3) Where, after the expiration of one month from the service of the notice referred to in subsection (2) and after consideration of any representations made to the Council, the Council remains of that opinion, it may withdraw its validation of the programme concerned, by notice in writing addressed to the provider, from such date as it considers appropriate and having regard to the interests of the learners concerned and until such time as it may be satisfied of whichever of the following is appropriate—
(a) that the programme concerned meets the criteria determined by the Council under paragraph (a)(ii) of section 23(1), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under paragraph (a) of section 25(4) are being complied with, or
(c) that the grounds for withdrawing validation referred to in subsection (2)(c) no longer exist.
Appeals to Authority against refusal or withdrawal of validation.
27.—(1) Where the Council refuses to validate a programme of education and training under section 25 or withdraws its validation of a programme under section 26, the provider of the programme concerned may appeal that refusal or withdrawal to the Authority which may, following consultation with the Council—
(a) confirm the decision of the Council, or
(b) annual the decision of the Council and substitute its decision for the decision of the Council.
(2) The Council shall comply with a decision made by the Authority under subsection (1)(b).
Quality assurance.
28.—(1) Subject to subsection (6), as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Part and at such other times as the Council after consultation with the provider concerned thinks fit—
(a) a provider of a programme of education and training whose programme has been validated by the Council under section 25, or
(b) a recognised institution to which authority has been delegated under section 29 to make awards in respect of a programme of higher education and training.
shall, having regard to existing procedures, if any, establish procedures for quality assurance for the purpose of further improving and maintaining the quality of education and training which is provided, organised or procured by that provider as part of the programme concerned and shall agree those procedures with the Council.
(2) Without prejudice to the generally of subsection (1), the procedures established under that subsection shall include—
(a) evaluation at regular intervals and as directed from time to time by the Council of the programme of education and training concerned, including evaluation by persons who are competent to make national and international comparisons in that respect,
(b) evaluation by learners of that programme, and
(c) evaluation of services related to that programme,
and shall provide for the publication in such form and manner as the Council thinks fit of findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(3) The Council shall consider the findings arising out of the application of procedures established under subsection (1) and may make recommendations to the provider of the programme concerned which that provider shall implement.
(4) The Council shall, from time to time and as directed from time to time by the Authority, in consultation with the provider of a programme of education and training, review the effectiveness of the procedures established under subsection (1) and the implementation by the provider concerned of the findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(5) The Council shall—
(a) report to the Authority on, and,
(b) publish in such form and manner as the Authority thinks fit,
the results of a review under subsection (4) and shall include in a report or publication the views, if any, of the provider of the programme concerned.
(6) Where a programme of higher education and training is organised or procured, in whole or in part, by a provider (“the first mentioned provider”) and is provided, in whole or in part, by another provider (“the second mentioned provider”), the first mentioned provider shall, in addition to the requirements specified in subsection (1), in so far as the procedures to be established under that subsection relate to that part of the programme provided by the second mentioned provider, agree those procedures with the second mentioned provider.
Chapter II
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of authority to make awards.
29.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a recognised institution may request the Council to delegate to it the authority to make higher education and training awards.
(2) Where a programme of higher education and training is organised or procured, in whole or in part, by a recognised institution and is provided, in whole or in part, by any other provider, the recognised institution shall consult with such other provider before making a request under subsection (1) for delegation of authority to make awards in respect of that programme.
(3) Upon receipt of a request under subsection (1), the Council shall determine and publish, in such form and manner as it thinks fit, criteria for the purposes of this section and shall, in accordance with subsection (4), review—
(a) the operation and management of the recognised institution concerned in relation to programmes of higher education and training provided, organised or procured by that recognised institution, and
(b) those programmes.
(4) In carrying out a review under subsection (3), the Council shall implement the procedures agreed from time to time with the Authority which procedures shall include—
(a) evaluation by the recognised institution of—
(i) the operation and management of the recognised institution concerned in relation to programmes of higher education and training provided, organised or procured by that institution, and
(ii) those programmes,
(b) where the Council, with the agreement of the Authority, is satisfied with the result of the evaluation referred to in paragraph (a), subsequent evaluation by such persons who have a particular knowledge and experience related to higher education and training, as the Council considers appropriate, including persons with relevant international experience, and
(c) publication, in such form and manner as the Council thinks fit, of a report of the findings of those evaluations.
(5) Where the Council is satisfied, with the agreement of the Authority, following a review under subsection (3), that—
(a) the operation and management of a recognised institution in relation to programmes of higher education and training provided, organised or procured by the recognised institution, and
(b) those programmes,
meet the criteria determined by the Council for the purposes of this section with the agreement of the Authority, then the Council may delegate to that recognised institution the authority to make such higher education and training awards, subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, as the Council specifies by notice in writing to the recognised institution concerned and the Authority.
(6) The conditions referred to in subsection (5) shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, conditions requiring the recognised institution concerned to—
(a) co-operate with and assist the Council, and the Authority where appropriate, in the performance of their functions,
(b) establish the procedures referred to in section 23(1)(e),
(c) implement the procedures referred to in section 23(2)(d), and
(d) provide such information as the Council requires for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Council, including information in respect of completion rates.
(7) The Council shall, for the purpose of determining the conditions referred to in subsection (5), have regard, in particular, to programmes, if any, referred to in subsection (2).
(8) A review which, at the commencement of this Part, has been or is being conducted on the direction of the Minister in relation to the delegation of authority to an institution established by or under section 3 of the Act of 1992 to make higher education and training awards, which following such commencement becomes a recognised institution, shall be a review for the purposes of this section where the Minister so determines and the Minister shall inform the Council, by notice in writing, of any such determination and may give such directions to the Council and the Authority, as he or she considers appropriate.
Review and withdrawal of delegated authority.
30.—(1) The Council shall from time to time as it thinks fit and in any case not less than once in every five years, or as directed from time to time by the Authority, review, in such manner as it thinks fit—
(a) the operation and management of a recognised institution, to which authority to make awards has been delegated under section 29, in relation to programmes of higher education and training provided, organised or procured by that institution, and
(b) those programmes.
(2) Where the Council, having carried out a review under subsection (1), is of the opinion—
(a) (i) that the operation or management of the recognised institution concerned in relation to programmes of higher education and training provided, organised or procured by that recognised institution, or
(ii) that those programmes,
do not meet the criteria determined by the Council under section 29(5), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under section 29(5) are not being complied with, or
(c) that there are other reasonable grounds for withdrawing the authority to make awards delegated to that recognised institution under section 29,
it shall inform the recognised institution concerned, by notice in writing, of its opinion and the reasons for that opinion and the notice shall state that the recognised institution may make representations to the Council in relation to that withdrawal not later than three months after the receipt of the notice by the institution.
(3) Where, after the expiration of three months from the service of the notice referred to in subsection (2) and after consideration of any representations made to the Council, the Council remains of that opinion it may withdraw the authority to make awards delegated to the recognised institution under section 29, by notice in writing addressed to that recognised institution, from such date as it considers appropriate and until such time as it may be satisfied of whichever of the following is appropriate—
(a) (i) that the operation and management of the recognised institution concerned in relation to programmes of higher education and training provided, organised or procured by that recognised institution, or
(ii) that those programmes,
meet the criteria determined by the Council under section 29(5), or
(b) that the conditions specified by the Council under section 29(5) are being complied with, or
(c) that the grounds referred to in subsection (2)(c) for withdrawing the authority to make awards no longer exist.
(4) A review under subsection (1) shall be carried out in accordance with such procedures as may be determined from time to time by the Council with the agreement of the Authority and those procedures shall provide for an appeal to the Authority against a decision to withdraw the authority to make awards delegated under section 29.
Chapter III
Charters
Charters.
31.—(1) A recognised institution which has authority to make awards delegated to it under section 29 shall have a charter which shall not conflict with this Act or with the Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992 and 1994.
(2) The Minister may, from time to time, make regulations for the purposes of specifying the matters to be included by a recognised institution in a charter referred to in subsection (1) and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing such matters may include, but not necessarily be limited to, all or any of the following:
(a) its arrangements for consultation and co-operation with the community in the region served by that institution, including commercial and industrial interests in that community;
(b) its criteria for determining the level of demand for particular programmes of education and training and the levels of such programmes;
(c) its policy in respect of adult and continuing education and the arrangements established for the provision of such education, including part-time and evening programmes;
(d) its arrangements for the implementation of procedures for access, transfer and progression determined by the Authority under section 8(2)(d);
(e) its arrangements for the promotion and use of the Irish language and the promotion of the distinctive cultures of Ireland;
(f) its procedures in relation to quality assurance of its programmes of education and training; and
(g) any other matters which the Minister considers appropriate for the purposes of a charter.
(3) Regulations made under this section may contain such incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of those regulations.
(4) In preparing a charter, the governing body of a recognised institution—
(a) shall consult with the Authority and the Council, in such manner as the Authority and the Council think fit,
(b) shall consult with, in such manner as the governing body thinks fit, the academic council, the academic staff and other employees of the recognised institution, any recognised trade union or staff association, and any recognised student union or other student representative body, and
(c) may consult with any other person or group, both within and outside of the recognised institution, which the governing body considers appropriate.
(5) A draft of a charter proposed under this section shall be submitted by the governing body of the recognised institution concerned to the Minister with a request that the proposed charter be recognised, and the Minister may, by order, recognise the charter as so drafted where he or she is satisfied that it is not in conflict with this Act or with the Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992 and 1994.
(6) An order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
(7) The Minister may, following consultation with the recognised institution, by order amend or revoke an order made under this section, including an order made under this subsection.
Chapter IV
Amendment of Act of 1992
Amendment of Act of 1992.
32.—The Act of 1992 is hereby amended—
(a) in section 3, by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection:
“(2) Subject to section 3A (inserted by the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999), the Government may, by order, provide that this Act shall apply to any other educational institution and amend the said First Schedule by inserting in column (1) thereof the name of the institution and any other particulars relevant to the Schedule and, upon commencement of the order, the institution shall stand established as a college to which this Act applies and the college shall, subject to subsection (4), continue to bear and to be known by that name.”,
(b) by the insertion after section 3 of the following section:
“Appointment of committee to advise An tÚdarás.M | 3A. (1) Before making an order under section 3(2) (as amended by the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999) for the purposes of establishing an educational institution as a college under that section, the Government shall appoint a committee to consider whether an educational institution shall be established under that section and to advise An tÚdarás in that regard. |
(2) The membership of a committee appointed under subsection (1) shall be recommended by An tÚdarás following consultation with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and shall include persons who have a special knowledge and experience of education in the State and outside the State. | |
(3) A committee appointed under subsection (1), in considering whether an educational institution shall be established as a college under section 3(2), shall— | |
(a) examine the provision of higher education and training in the region to be served by the institution concerned and in the State generally, | |
(b) where the committee is of the opinion that further provision of higher education and training is necessary, consider other options for achieving such provision other than by the establishment of an educational institution as a college, and | |
(c) consult with such bodies and persons as it thinks fit, including any other institution providing higher education and training in the region concerned and the vocational education committee in whose functional area that institution is situated. | |
(4) Subject to subsection (5), on the advice of a committee appointed under subsection (1) and the recommendation of An tÚdarás, following consultation with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Government may make an order under section 3(2). | |
(5) The Government shall not make an order under section 3(2) unless it has first caused to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas a draft of the proposed order and a resolution approving of the draft has been passed by both Houses.”, |
and
(c) in section 5, by the substitution for paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of the following paragraphs—
“(b) (i) to enter into arrangements with the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or with any other authority approved by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, from time to time, for the purpose of having higher education and training awards made, and
(ii) to make such other arrangements as may be approved by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, from time to time, for that purpose and, subject to sections 29 and 30 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, to make higher education and training awards, as appropriate;
(bb) (i) to enter into arrangements with the Further Education and Training Awards Council or with any other authority approved by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, from time to time, for the purpose of having further education and training awards made, and
(ii) to make such other arrangements as may be approved by the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, from time to time, for that purpose;”.
Chapter V
Dissolution of National Council for Educational Awards.
Dissolution of National Council for Educational Awards.
33.—(1) The National Council for Educational Awards is hereby dissolved.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), references to the National Council for Educational Awards in an enactment (other than this Act) or in an instrument made thereunder or in the memorandum or articles of association of any company (within the meaning of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990) or any other legal document, shall be construed, on and after the commencement of this Chapter, as references to the Council.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply to references to the National Council for Educational Awards in regulations made under section 1(1) of the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971.
Pending legal proceedings.
34.—Where, immediately before the commencement of this Chapter, any legal proceedings are pending in any court or tribunal and the National Council for Educational Awards or any trustee or agent thereof acting on its behalf is a party to the proceedings, the name of the Council shall be substituted in the proceedings for that of the National Council for Educational Awards or, as the case may be, such trustee or agent thereof, or added in those proceedings as may be appropriate, and those proceedings shall not abate by reason of the substitution.
Transfer of assets and liabilities to Council.
35.—(1) The following shall be and hereby are transferred to the Council—
(a) all property and rights relating to such property held or enjoyed immediately before the commencement of this Chapter by the National Council for Educational Awards or any trustee or agent thereof acting on its behalf,
(b) all liabilities incurred before such commencement by the National Council for Educational Awards or any trustee or agent thereof acting on its behalf that had not been discharged before such commencement,
and, accordingly, without any further conveyance, transfer or assignment—
(i) the said property, real and personal, shall, on such commencement, vest in the Council for all the estate, term or interest for which, immediately before such commencement, it was vested in the National Council for Educational Awards but subject to all trusts and equities affecting the property and capable of being performed,
(ii) those rights shall, as and from such commencement, be enjoyed by the Council, and
(iii) those liabilities shall, as and from such commencement, be liabilities of the Council.
(2) All moneys, stocks, shares and securities transferred to the Council by this section which, on the commencement of this Chapter, are standing in the name of the National Council for Educational Awards or any trustee or agent thereof shall, upon the request of the Council, be transferred into its name.
(3) Every right and liability transferred to the Council by this section may, on or after the commencement of this Chapter, be sued on, recovered or enforced by or against the Council in its own name and it shall not be necessary for the Council to give notice to the person whose right or liability is transferred by this section of the transfer.
Preservation of certain continuing contracts and adaptation of references.
36.—Every bond, guarantee or other security of a continuing nature made or given by or on behalf of the National Council for Educational Awards to any person or given by any person to and accepted by or on behalf of the National Council for Educational Awards and every contract or agreement made between the National Council for Educational Awards, or any trustee or agent thereof acting on its behalf, and any other person and in force but not fully executed and completed immediately before the commencement of this Chapter shall continue in force on and after such commencement and shall be construed and have effect as if the name of the Council was substituted therein for that of the National Council for Educational Awards or, as appropriate, any trustee or agent thereof acting on its behalf, and shall be enforceable by or against the Council.
Repeal of National Council for Educational Awards Act, 1979.
37.—The National Council for Educational Awards Act, 1979, is hereby repealed.
PART V
Dublin Institute Of Technology
Role of Institute.
38.—(1) In this Part “the Institute” means the Dublin Institute of Technology established under section 3 of the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992.
(2) The Institute shall—
(a) facilitate and assist the Authority in carrying out its functions,
(b) implement procedures for access, transfer and progression determined by the Authority under section 8(2)(d) in so far as those procedures apply to the Institute, and
(c) provide such information as the Authority may from time to time require for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Authority, including information in respect of completion rates.
(3) The Institute may apply to the Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council to have programmes of education and training which it provides, organises or procures validated by either such Council, as appropriate.
Quality assurance.
39.—(1) The Institute shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Part, having regard to existing procedures, if any, establish procedures for quality assurance for the purpose of further improving and maintaining the quality of education and training which is provided by the Institute and shall agree those procedures with the Authority.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the procedures established under that subsection shall include—
(a) evaluation at regular intervals and as directed from time to time by the Authority of the programmes of education and training provided by the Institute, including evaluations by persons who are competent to make national and international comparisons in that respect,
(b) evaluation by learners of programmes of education and training provided by the Institute, and
(c) evaluation of services related to the programmes of education and training provided by the Institute,
and shall provide for the publication in such form and manner as the Authority thinks fit of findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(3) The Authority shall consider the findings arising out of the application of procedures established under subsection (1) and may make recommendations to the Institute which the Institute shall implement.
(4) The Authority shall, within five years of the commencement of this Part, and thereafter from time to time as it may determine but in any case not more than once in every three years and not less than once in every seven years, in consultation with the Institute, review the effectiveness of the procedures established under subsection (1) and the implementation by the Institute of the findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(5) The Authority shall publish in such form and manner as it thinks fit the results of a review under subsection (4) and shall include in the publication the views, if any, of the Institute.
PART VI
Universities
Chapter I
Role of Universities
Role of Universities
40.—(1) Without prejudice to the objects and functions of a university under the Act of 1997, a university shall co-operate with and give all reasonable assistance to the Authority in carrying out its functions.
(2) A university may advise the Authority on the exercise of its functions under section 8, in so far as those functions relate to the university.
(3) A university shall provide such information as the Authority may from time to time require for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Authority.
(4) A university may apply to the Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council to have programmes of education and training which it provides, organises or procures validated by either such Council, as appropriate.
(5) In performing its functions under sections 35 and 49(b) of the Act of 1997, An tÚdarás shall consult with the Authority.
Chapter II
Universities established under section 9 of Act of 1997
Universities established under section 9 of Act of 1997
41.—(1) This Chapter shall apply only to universities established under section 9 of the Act of 1997 (in this Chapter referred to as a “relevant university”).
(2) A relevant university shall—
(a) co-operate with and give all reasonable assistance to the Authority in carrying out its functions,
(b) implement procedures for access, transfer and progression determined by the Authority under section 8(2)(d) in so far as those procedures apply to the relevant university concerned, and
(c) provide such information as the Authority may from time to time require for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Authority, including information in respect of completion rates.
(3) Where the governing authority of a relevant university approves of a strategic development plan under section 34 of the Act of 1997 it shall—
(a) ensure that the plan provides the means by which that university shall perform its functions under this Act, and
(b) provide a copy of that plan to the Authority.
(4) Where the chief officer of a relevant university prepares a report on the operations and the performance of that university under section 41 of the Act of 1997, he or she shall have regard to the part or parts of the strategic development plan under section 34 of that Act relevant to the performance of the functions of the relevant university concerned under this Act.
(5) Where An tÚdarás, under section 49(a) of the Act of 1997, reviews a strategic development plan prepared by a relevant university in accordance with section 34 of that Act, it shall consult with the Authority with regard to the means by which the relevant university concerned shall perform its functions under this Act.
(6) In determining the amount of money to be allocated for the financial year to a relevant university from moneys provided to An tÚdarás pursuant to section 12 of the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971, and section 37(2) of the Act of 1997, An tÚdarás shall ensure that the range and levels of programmes of education and training in that university and the number of learners participating in those programmes shall be in accordance with such policies as may be determined, from time to time, by the Minister, and An tÚdarás may give directions to a relevant university for those purposes.
(7) A relevant university shall act in accordance with such directions as may be given from time to time by An tÚdarás to that university under subsection (6).
(8) A relevant university may apply to the Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council to have programmes of education and training which it provides, organises or procures validated by either such Council, as appropriate.
Quality assurance.
42.—(1) A relevant university shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Chapter, having regard to existing procedures, if any, establish procedures for quality assurance for the purpose of further improving and maintaining the quality of education and training which is provided by the relevant university concerned and shall agree those procedures with the Authority.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the procedures established under that subsection shall include—
(a) evaluation at regular intervals and as directed from time to time by the Authority of the programmes of education and training provided by the relevant university concerned, including evaluations by persons who are competent to make national and international comparisons in that respect,
(b) evaluation by learners of programmes of education and training provided by that university, and
(c) evaluation of services related to the programmes of education and training provided by that university,
and shall provide for the publication in such form and manner as the Authority thinks fit of findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(3) The Authority shall consider the findings arising out of the application of procedures established under subsection (1) and may make recommendations to the relevant university which that university shall implement.
(4) The Authority shall, within five years of the commencement of this Chapter, and thereafter from time to time as it may determine but in any case not more than once in every three years and not less than once in every seven years, in consultation with the relevant university concerned, review the effectiveness of the procedures established under subsection (1) and the implementation by that university of the findings arising out of the application of those procedures.
(5) The Authority shall publish in such form and manner as it thinks fit the results of a review under subsection (4) and shall include in the publication the views, if any, of the relevant university concerned.
(6) Sections 35 and 49(b) of the Act of 1997 shall not apply to a relevant university.
PART VII
Protection For Learners
Arrangements for protection of learners.
43.—(1) The Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council shall not—
(a) validate a programme of education and training pursuant to section 15 or 25, as the case may be, or
(b) make or recognise any award in respect of a programme of education and training,
being in either case a programme of a duration of three months or more, which is provided by a provider which intends to operate programmes of education and training on a commercial and profit-making basis, unless the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, is satisfied that the provider concerned has arrangements in place which make provision for learners where that provider ceases to provide the programme concerned.
(2) In this Part “arrangements in place” means—
(a) that the provider of the programme concerned has arrangements in place with at least two other providers which provide that a learner may transfer to similar programmes provided by those other providers, or
(b) in the case of a provider who considers, subject to the agreement of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, that it is not practicable to have arrangements in place as specified in paragraph (a), such provider has arrangements in place which enable that provider to refund to a learner, or to the person who paid the moneys concerned on behalf of the learner, the moneys most recently paid to the provider in respect of that programme.
(3) (a) The Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council shall each maintain a register of programmes of education and training in respect of which there are arrangements in place in accordance with subsection (1).
(b) A register referred to in paragraph (a) shall be kept in such form and manner as the Authority may from time to time direct and the Authority shall publish, in such form and manner as the Authority considers appropriate, details of the register concerned.
(4) The requirement to provide information in accordance with section 15(5)(d) or 25(5)(d), as the case may be, may include information in respect of arrangements which a provider is required to have in place in accordance with this section.
(5) References in this Part to a provider ceasing to provide a programme of education and training include ceasing to provide the programme concerned for whatever reason, including—
(a) the insolvency of the provider, or
(b) withdrawal of validation of the programme concerned by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be,
before completion of that programme.
Assistance to find alternative programme.
44.—(1) Where a provider of a programme of education and training to which section 43 applies ceases to provide the programme concerned, the relevant body shall make all reasonable efforts to assist the learners concerned to find an appropriate programme of education and training with another provider which will enable them to complete that education and training.
(2) Subsection (1) applies without prejudice to the duties and obligations of the provider of a programme of education and training to the learners concerned.
(3) In this section “relevant body” means whichever of the Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council made or recognised an award or was to make or recognise an award in respect of the programme of education and training concerned.
Information to be furnished by provider: protection.
45.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a provider, before accepting any moneys from or on behalf of a learner (other than moneys paid on behalf of a learner from funds provided by the Oireachtas), in respect of a programme of education and training of a duration of three months or more, shall, by notice in writing, inform the learner by whom or on whose behalf the moneys are to be paid—
(a) whether the provider is required under section 43 to have arrangements in place and the nature of those arrangements, or
(b) of other procedures (if any) that the provider maintains for the protection of the learners concerned if the provider ceases to provide that programme.
(2) Subsection (1) shall apply whether or not the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council make or recognise any award in respect of the programme of education and training concerned.
Information to be furnished by provider: access, transfer and progression.
46.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a provider which intends to operate a programme of education and training shall, by notice in writing, in respect of a programme of a duration of three months or more, inform the learner—
(a) before the commencement of the programme, or
(b) before accepting any moneys from or on behalf of a learner in respect of the programme,
whichever is the earlier—
(i) whether the programme concerned is accommodated through the procedures for access, transfer or progression referred to in section 8(2)(d) and the extent of such accommodation, and
(ii) of the name of the awarding body which shall make the award where the learner successfully completes the programme concerned and the title of that award.
(2) Subsection (1) shall apply whether or not the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council make or recognise any award in respect of the programme concerned.
Offences and penalties.
47.—A provider of a programme of education and training who—
(a) falsely claims or represents that the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council has validated the programme concerned or makes or recognises an award in respect of that programme, knowing or having reason to believe that the claim or representation is false, or
(b) falsely claims or represents that the provider concerned is a recognised institution of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, knowing or having reason to believe that the claim or representation is false, or
(c) fails to furnish the information which the provider concerned is required to furnish under section 45 or 46, or
(d) makes a false representation to a learner in relation to the matters referred to in section 45 or 46, knowing or having reason to believe that the representation is false,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—
(i) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,500 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both, or
(ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £50,000 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both.
PART VIII
General Provisions
Definition.
48.—In this Part “relevant body” means the Authority, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be.
Chairperson.
49.—(1) Each relevant body shall have a chairperson who shall be appointed by the Minister, following consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
(2) The chairperson of a relevant body may be removed from office by the Minister for stated reasons.
(3) An appointment under subsection (1) shall be on a part-time basis and the person appointed shall exercise no function in respect of the control and management of a relevant body other than the functions of chairperson of that body provided for under this Act.
Chief executive.
50.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) and section 51, each relevant body shall, subject to the approval of the Minister, from time to time appoint a chief executive in a whole-time capacity.
(2) A relevant body shall appoint a chief executive under subsection (1), subject to the approval of the Minister, within three years of the establishment of the relevant body concerned.
(3) The chief executive shall be appointed in accordance with procedures determined by the relevant body concerned with the consent of the Minister.
(4) The chief executive shall carry on and manage, and control generally, the administration and business of the relevant body concerned and perform such other functions (if any) as may be determined by that body.
(5) For the purposes of section 19 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993, “accounting officer” shall include a chief executive appointed under subsection (1).
(6) The Second Schedule shall apply to the chief executive.
Interim chief executive.
51.—(1) The Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, may appoint a person to be the interim chief executive of a relevant body.
(2) Subject to subsection (4), the interim chief executive, if any, of a relevant body shall hold office for such period (which period shall not in any case exceed three years after the establishment of the relevant body concerned) and on such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration, fees, allowances and expenses) as may be determined by that body with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance.
(3) Where an interim chief executive appointed under subsection (1) ceases to hold office for any reason before the expiration of the period of his or her appointment, the Minister may appoint a person who shall be known as the interim chief executive who shall hold office for such period (which period shall not in any case exceed the remainder of the term of office of the person who occasioned the vacancy he or she is appointed to fill) and on such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration, fees, allowances and expenses) as may be determined by the relevant body concerned with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance.
(4) When a chief executive is appointed under section 50, the interim chief executive of the relevant body concerned, if any, shall cease to hold office.
(5) Until the appointment of a chief executive to the relevant body concerned under section 50, the interim chief executive, if any, of that body shall perform all of the functions of a chief executive under this Act.
(6) References in this Act to a chief executive shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include an interim chief executive.
Employees.
52.—(1) Subject to the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance, a relevant body may, from time to time, appoint such and so many persons to be employees of that body as it thinks fit.
(2) Subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, a relevant body may delegate to the chief executive any of the functions of the relevant body relating to the appointment of employees of that body and the determination of selection procedures.
(3) Except as otherwise provided by this Act, an employee of a relevant body shall be employed on such terms and conditions as that body, subject to the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance, may from time to time determine.
(4) Except as otherwise provided by this Act and subject to subsections (8) and (9), there shall be paid by a relevant body to its employees, such remuneration, fees, allowances and expenses as may be determined from time to time by that body with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance.
(5) A relevant body shall determine the terms and conditions of any superannuation scheme for its employees (including a chief executive) in accordance with the Third Schedule and that Schedule shall apply to an amendment to an existing scheme in the same way as it applies to a new scheme.
(6) Subject to subsection (7), every person who, immediately before the commencement of this Part and Chapter V of Part IV, is an employee of the National Council for Educational Awards shall, on such commencement, become and be an employee of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council.
(7) Subject to subsection (11), a person who, immediately before the commencement of this Part and Chapter V of Part IV, is an employee of the National Council for Educational Awards may, by order of the Minister, become and be an employee of the Authority or the Further Education and Training Awards Council.
(8) A person who, immediately before the commencement of this Part, was an employee of An Foras, CERT or Teagasc may, subject to his or her agreement and the agreement of the Minister, on such commencement or such later date as may be agreed with the Minister, become and be an employee of a relevant body and the rights and entitlements in respect of tenure, remuneration, fees, allowances, expenses and superannuation enjoyed on the commencement of this Part by that person shall not, by virtue of the operation of this Act, be any less beneficial than those rights and entitlements enjoyed by that person immediately before such commencement.
(9) For the removal of doubt, the rights and entitlements in respect of tenure, remuneration, fees, allowances, expenses and superannuation enjoyed on the commencement of this Part and Chapter V of Part IV by persons who are employees of a relevant body, and in the case of superannuation, former employees of the National Council for Educational Awards, shall not, by virtue of the operation of this Act, be any less beneficial than those rights and entitlements enjoyed by those persons as employees, or former employees of the National Council for Educational Awards, immediately before such commencement.
(10) Subject to subsection (11), the Authority may, and shall when directed by the Minister, second an employee to the Further Education and Training Awards Council or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or to both, as may be appropriate.
(11) Before making an order under subsection (7) or issuing a direction under subsection (10), the Minister shall, by notice in writing, inform the person or employee and any recognised trade union or staff association concerned of his or her intention to make such an order or issue such a direction and the notice shall state that the person or employee concerned may make representations to the Minister, in relation to the proposed order or direction, within such time as may be specified in the notice and the Minister shall consider such representations (if any).
(12) The Minister may, following consultation with the relevant body concerned, second an officer of the Minister to that body as an employee of that body, subject to the consent of the officer.
Membership of either House of Oireachtas or European Parliament.
53.—(1) Where a member of a relevant body is—
(a) nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann,
(b) elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or to be a representative in the European Parliament,
(c) regarded pursuant to Part XIII of the Second Schedule to the European Parliament Elections Act, 1997, as having been elected to that Parliament, or
(d) ceases to be a member of the category of person, as provided for in section 6, 13 or 22, as the case may be, to which he or she belonged at the time of becoming such member,
he or she shall thereupon cease to be a member of the relevant body.
(2) Where an employee of a relevant body is—
(a) nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann, or
(b) elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or to be a representative in the European Parliament, or
(c) regarded pursuant to the said Part XIII, as having been elected to that Parliament,
he or she shall thereupon stand seconded from employment by the relevant body and shall not be paid by, or be entitled to receive from the relevant body any remuneration, fee, allowances or expenses in respect of the period commencing on such nomination or election, or when he or she is so regarded as having been elected, as the case may be, and ending when such person ceases to be a member of either House or such Parliament.
(3) A period referred to in subsection (2) shall not, for the purposes of any superannuation benefit, be reckoned as service with the relevant body concerned.
(4) A person who is for the time being entitled under the Standing Orders of either House of the Oireachtas to sit therein or who is a representative in the European Parliament shall, while he or she is so entitled or is such a member, be disqualified for membership of a relevant body or for employment in any capacity by a relevant body.
Disclosure of interests.
54.—(1) Where a member of a relevant body, an employee of a relevant body, a member of a committee established under section 56, or a consultant, adviser or other person engaged by a relevant body, has a pecuniary interest or other beneficial interest in, or material to, any matter which falls to be considered by a relevant body or a committee established under this Act, he or she shall—
(a) disclose to the relevant body or committee, as the case may be, the nature of his or her interest in advance of any consideration of the matter,
(b) neither influence nor seek to influence a decision in relation to the matter,
(c) take no part in any consideration of the matter,
(d) if he or she is a member of the relevant body, an employee of the relevant body or a member of a committee established under section 56, withdraw from the meeting for so long as the matter is being discussed or considered and shall not vote or otherwise act as such member or employee in relation to the matter.
(2) For the purposes of this section, but without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a person shall be regarded as having a beneficial interest if—
(a) he or she or any member of his or her household, or any nominee of his or her or any member of his or her household, is a member of a company or any other body which has a beneficial interest in, or material to, a matter referred to in that subsection,
(b) he or she or any member of his or her household is in partnership with or is in the employment of a person who has a beneficial interest in, or material to, such a matter,
(c) he or she or any member of his or her household is a party to any arrangement or agreement (whether or not enforceable) concerning land to which such a matter relates, or
(d) any member of his or her household has a beneficial interest in, or material to, such a matter.
(3) For the purposes of this section a person shall not be regarded as having a beneficial interest in, or material to, any matter by reason only of an interest of his or her or of any company or of any other body or person mentioned in subsection (2) which is so remote or insignificant that it cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to influence a person in considering, discussing or in voting on, any question with respect to the matter, or in performing any function in relation to that matter.
(4) Where a question arises as to whether or not a course of conduct, if pursued by a person, would be a failure by him or her to comply with the requirements of subsection (1), the question shall be determined by the relevant body concerned or by a committee established under section 56, as the case may be, and particulars of the determination shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting concerned.
(5) Where a disclosure is made pursuant to subsection (1) to a relevant body or to a committee established under section 56, particulars of the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting concerned.
(6) Where a person referred to in this section fails to make a disclosure in accordance with this section, the relevant body concerned or a committee established under section 56, as the case may be, shall decide the appropriate action to be taken.
Disclosure of information.
55.—(1) Save as otherwise provided by law and subsection (3), a person shall not, without the consent of the relevant body concerned, disclose any information obtained by him or her while performing (or as a result of having performed) duties as—
(a) a member of that body,
(b) an employee of that body,
(c) a member of a committee established under section 56, or
(d) an adviser or consultant to that body or an employee of such person whilst performing duties relating to such advice or consultation.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,500.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) shall prevent disclosure of information in a report made to a relevant body or by or on behalf of a relevant body to the Minister.
Committees.
56.—(1) A relevant body may establish a committee consisting either in whole or in part of persons who are members or employees of that body—
(a) to advise the relevant body concerned on such matters as that body may from time to time determine, or
(b) to exercise such functions of that body as may be delegated to the committee from time to time, including such functions as may relate to a particular activity of business, education or training.
(2) The exercise by a committee of functions delegated to it under subsection (1)(b) shall be subject to confirmation by the relevant body concerned unless that body otherwise determines.
(3) A relevant body may at any time dissolve a committee established by it under this section or remove a member of a committee from such membership.
(4) A committee established under this section may regulate, by standing orders or otherwise, its procedures and business.
(5) A relevant body may appoint a person to be chairperson of a committee established under this section.
(6) The chairperson and members of a committee (other than an ex officio member who is an employee of a relevant body) shall be paid out of funds at the disposal of the relevant body concerned such allowances or expenses, if any, as the Minister, with the approval of the Minister for Finance, may determine.
Accounts.
57.—(1) A relevant body shall keep, in such form as may be approved of by the Minister, all proper and usual accounts and records of all moneys received or expended by it.
(2) Accounts kept pursuant to subsection (1) shall, to the extent directed by the Comptroller and Auditor General, be submitted annually by a relevant body for audit to the Comptroller and Auditor General, by such date as the Comptroller and Auditor General may from time to time determine and, immediately after the audit, a copy of the accounts, together with a copy of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the accounts, shall be presented by the relevant body to the Minister, and in the case of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council, copies shall also be provided by them to the Authority.
(3) A relevant body shall cause copies of the accounts provided under this section to the Minister, together with copies of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on those accounts, to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
Plans.
58.—(1) The Authority shall, as soon as practicable after its establishment and at such other times as it thinks fit, require the chief executive of the Authority to prepare a plan which shall set out the proposals of the Authority for carrying out its functions during the period, such period being not less than two years, to which the plan relates.
(2) The Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council shall, by such date as the Authority may from time to time determine, require each of their chief executives to prepare a plan which shall set out the proposals of each such Council for carrying out its functions during the period, such period being not less than two years, to which the plan relates.
(3) A relevant body may, having regard to the resources available to it, either approve of the plan prepared under subsection (1) or (2) without modification or, after consultation with its chief executive, approve of the plan subject to such modifications as it thinks fit.
(4) As soon as practicable after the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, approves of the plan under subsection (3), the Council concerned shall provide a copy of the plan to the Authority.
(5) The Authority may, having regard to the resources available to it, either approve of a plan provided to it under subsection (4) without modification or, after consultation with the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be, approve of the plan subject to such modifications as the Authority thinks fit.
(6) The Authority shall provide a copy of the plan concerned to the Minister as soon as practicable after it approves of that plan under subsection (3) or (5).
Reports.
59.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), the chief executive of a relevant body shall, having regard to a plan prepared under section 58, prepare a report on the operations and the performance of the relevant body during the period referred to in subsection (2).
(2) A report under subsection (1) shall be prepared—
(a) in the case of the first such report, at the end of the period of two years after the commencement of this Part, and
(b) thereafter, at the end of the period of two years following the preparation of the preceding report.
(3) A relevant body shall publish a report under subsection (1) in such form and manner as it thinks fit.
(4) A relevant body shall provide the Minister with a copy of a report under subsection (1) and, in the case of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council, shall provide the Authority with a copy.
(5) The relevant body concerned shall cause a copy of a report under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable after it is published.
(6) Subject to subsection (7), a relevant body shall provide the Minister or either House of the Oireachtas with such information regarding the performance of its functions as the Minister or either House of the Oireachtas, as the case may be, may from time to time determine.
(7) The Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council shall provide the Authority with such information regarding the performance of their functions as the Authority may from time to time determine.
Gifts.
60.—(1) A relevant body may accept gifts of money, land or other property upon such trusts and conditions, if any, as may be specified by the donor.
(2) A relevant body shall not accept a gift if the trusts or conditions attached to it by the donor are inconsistent with the objects or functions of the relevant body.
Fees.
61.—(1) A relevant body shall charge, receive and recover fees, other than from the Minister, in relation to the performance of its functions.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Minister in consultation with the relevant body, with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, shall determine the level of fees referred to in subsection (1).
(3) The Authority may advise the Minister in respect of the level of fees referred to in subsection (1).
(4) For the purposes of this section, the Authority may review from time to time the level of fees referred to in subsection (1).
Amendment of section 4 of Labour Services Act, 1987.
62.—Section 4 of the Labour Services Act, 1987, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection:
“(2) Subject to the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, An Foras shall also have and enjoy all those functions that were vested in An Chomhairle, the Agency and the Manpower Service immediately before the establishment day and are not specified in subsection (1).”.
Service of notices.
63.—(1) Subject to subsection (6), a notice required to be served or given by or under this Act shall be addressed to the person concerned and served or given in one of the following ways—
(a) by addressing it to the person by name and delivering it to him or her,
(b) by leaving it at the address at which the person ordinarily resides,
(c) by sending it by post in a prepaid registered letter addressed to the person at the address at which he or she ordinarily resides,
(d) if an address for the service of notices has been furnished by the person, by leaving it at, or sending it by prepaid registered post addressed to him or her to, that address, or
(e) where the address at which the person ordinarily resides cannot be ascertained by reasonable inquiry and notice is required to be served on, or given to, him or her in respect of any premises, by delivering it to a person over the age of 16 years resident in or employed on the premises, or by affixing it in a conspicuous position on or near the premises.
(2) Where the name of the person concerned cannot be ascertained by reasonable inquiry, a notice under this Act may be addressed to “the occupier”, “the owner” or “the person in charge”, as the case may be.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a company registered under the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990, shall be deemed to be ordinarily resident at its registered office, and every other body corporate and every unincorporated body shall be deemed to be ordinarily resident at its principal office or place of business.
(4) A person shall not at any time during the period of three months after a notice is affixed under subsection (1) (e) remove, damage or deface the notice without lawful authority and a person who contravenes this subsection shall be guilty of an offence.
(5) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (4) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,500.
(6) Subsection (1) shall not apply to a notice referred to in section 45 or 46 or in the First Schedule.
Provisions in relation to offences.
64.—(1) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been so committed with the consent connivance or approval of or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of a person being a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, or any other person who was acting or purporting to act in any such capacity, that person as well as the body corporate shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to be proceeded against and punished as if he or she were guilty of the first-mentioned offence.
(2) Notwithstanding section 10(4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, summary proceedings for an offence under this Act may be instituted within 12 months from the date of the offence.
Provider not to be described as institute of technology or regional technical college.
65.—(1) Except in relation to a provider of a programme of education and training established and described as such before the commencement of this Part (in which case it may continue to be so described), a person shall not, without the approval of the Minister, use the words “institute of technology” or “regional technical college” to describe a provider of a programme of education and training.
(2) The Minister may apply to the High Court for an injunction to restrain any person from using the words “institute of technology” or “regional technical college” in contravention of subsection (1).
Gender balance.
66.—(1) Where the total number of persons whom a person or body may nominate under sections 6, 13 and 22 is more than one but less than four, the person or body shall nominate at least one male and at least one female.
(2) Where the total number of persons whom a person or body may nominate under sections 6, 13 and 22 is four or more, the person or body shall nominate at least two males and at least two females.
FIRST SCHEDULE
Membership And Meetings
1. In this Schedule “relevant body” means the Authority, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be.
2. (1) As soon as practicable after its establishment, a relevant body shall provide itself with and retain in its possession a seal.
(2) The seal of a relevant body shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairperson or a member of the relevant body, and by the signature of an employee of that body, authorised by the body to act in that behalf.
(3) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of a relevant body and every document purporting to be an instrument made by and to be sealed with the seal of a relevant body (purporting to be authenticated in accordance with subparagraph (2)) shall be received in evidence and be deemed to be such instrument without proof unless the contrary is shown.
3. (1) A member of a relevant body (other than the chairperson or an ex officio member) may, for stated reasons, be removed from office by resolution of the relevant body.
(2) A member of a relevant body (other than the chairperson or an ex officio member) may, at any time, resign from office as a member by notice in writing to the chairperson and the resignation shall take effect on the date on which the chairperson receives the notice.
(3) A member of a relevant body (other than an ex officio member), including the chairperson, who is absent from all meetings of the relevant body for a period of six consecutive months, unless the absence was due to illness or was approved by that body, shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a member of the body.
(4) A member of a relevant body (including the chairperson) whose term of office expires by effluxion of time shall be eligible for reappointment to the relevant body.
4. (1) Subject to this Schedule, the term of office of a member of a relevant body (other than an ex officio member), including the chairperson, shall be five years from the date of his or her appointment.
(2) Subject to subparagraph (3), a member of a relevant body (other than an ex officio member), shall not serve more than two terms of office on that body.
(3) The terms of office referred to in subparagraph (2) shall not include any term of office as chairperson of the relevant body.
5. (1) If a member of a relevant body, other than the chairperson, dies, resigns, is removed from office or for any other reason ceases to hold office, the relevant body shall arrange for the filling of the casual vacancy so occasioned as soon as practicable.
(2) A person who becomes a member of a relevant body pursuant to this paragraph shall, subject to this Schedule, hold office for the remainder of the term of office of the member whose death, resignation, removal from office or ceasing for other reasons to hold office occasioned the casual vacancy and shall, subject to paragraph 3 (4), be eligible for reappointment as a member of the body on the expiry of that period.
6. (1) Each relevant body shall have a chairperson, as provided for in section 49.
(2) The chairperson may, at any time, resign from office as chairperson by notice in writing to the Minister, a copy of which shall be sent to the relevant body, and the resignation shall take effect on the date on which the Minister receives the notice.
7. Where a person ceases to hold the office of chairperson, he or she shall at the same time cease to be a member of the relevant body concerned.
8. The chairperson of a relevant body shall not hold the office of chairperson of that body for more than two terms of office.
9. (1) Each relevant body shall, from time to time as the occasion requires, appoint from amongst its members a member (other than the chief executive) to be its deputy-chairperson.
(2) The deputy-chairperson shall, unless he or she sooner resigns as deputy-chairperson, hold office until he or she ceases to be a member of a relevant body.
10. The chairperson and members of a relevant body (other than an ex officio member who is an employee of the relevant body) shall be paid out of funds at the disposal of that body such allowances or expenses, if any, as the Minister, with the approval of the Minister for Finance, may determine.
11. (1) Each relevant body shall hold at least four meetings in any 12 month period, and such and so many other meetings and at such times, as the chairperson may determine.
(2) The chairperson of a relevant body shall convene a meeting of the relevant body whenever requested to do so by not less than the number of members which constitute a quorum.
(3) The quorum for a meeting of a relevant body shall be one-third of the total number of members, rounded up to the nearest whole number, plus one.
12. At a meeting of a relevant body—
(a) the chairperson shall, if present, be the chairperson of the meeting, or
(b) if and so long as the chairperson is not present or the office of chairperson is vacant, the deputy-chairperson shall, if present, be the chairperson of the meeting, or
(c) if and so long as the chairperson is not present or the office of chairperson is vacant, and the deputy-chairperson is not present or the office of deputy-chairperson is vacant, the members of the relevant body who are present shall choose one of their number to preside at the meeting.
13. Every question at a meeting of a relevant body shall be determined by consensus, but where in the opinion of the chairperson or other person presiding consensus is not possible, the question shall be decided by a majority of the votes of members present, including the chairperson, and voting on the question and, in the case of an equal division of votes, the chairperson or other person presiding shall have a second or casting vote.
14. Subject to paragraph 11(3), a relevant body may act notwithstanding one or more than one vacancy among its members or any deficiency in the appointment of a member which may subsequently be discovered.
15. Subject to this Act, a relevant body may make, from time to time, such rules as it thinks fit for the procedures and business of the relevant body.
SECOND SCHEDULE
Chief Executive
1. In this Schedule “relevant body” means the Authority, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be.
2. The chief executive of a relevant body shall perform his or her functions subject to such policies as may be determined from time to time by the relevant body and shall be answerable to that body for the efficient and effective management of that body and for the due performance of his or her functions.
3. (1) The chief executive of a relevant body may delegate any of his or her functions to an employee of the relevant body, unless they are so delegated to the chief executive subject to the condition that they shall not be sub-delegated, and the employee concerned shall be accountable to the chief executive for the performance of the functions so delegated.
(2) Notwithstanding any such delegation, the chief executive shall at all times remain accountable to the relevant body concerned for the performance of the functions so delegated.
4. The chief executive of a relevant body shall not hold any other office or position without the consent of the relevant body concerned.
5. The chief executive of a relevant body shall hold office on such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration, fees, allowance and expenses) as may be determined by that body with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance.
THIRD SCHEDULE
Superannuation
1. In this Schedule “relevant body” means the Authority, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or the Further Education and Training Awards Council, as the case may be.
2. As soon as practicable after the commencement of Part VIII a relevant body shall, subject to section 52, prepare and submit to the Minister a scheme or schemes for the granting of superannuation benefits to or in respect of such employees of the relevant body as the body thinks fit.
3. Every such scheme shall fix the time and conditions of retirement of all persons to or in respect of whom superannuation benefits are payable under the scheme and different times and conditions may be fixed in respect of different classes of persons.
4. A relevant body may at any time prepare and submit to the Minister a scheme amending a scheme previously submitted and approved under this Schedule.
5. A scheme or amending scheme submitted to the Minister under this Schedule shall, if approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, be carried out by the relevant body in accordance with its terms.
6. If a dispute arises as to the claim of any person to, or the amount of, any superannuation benefit payable pursuant to a scheme under this Schedule, such dispute shall be submitted to the Minister for determination by the Minister, whose decision shall be final, subject to the agreement of the Minister for Finance.
7. No superannuation benefit shall be granted by a relevant body to or in respect of any of its employees who are members of a scheme under this Schedule, nor shall any other arrangement be entered into for the provision of any superannuation benefit to such persons on their ceasing to hold office, other than—
(a) in accordance with such scheme or schemes submitted and approved under this Schedule, or
(b) with the approval of the Minister subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance.
8. Every scheme submitted and approved under this Schedule shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable after it is so approved, and if either House, within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the scheme is laid before it, passes a resolution annulling the scheme, the scheme shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under the scheme.
9. Where, in the period between the establishment of a relevant body and the coming into operation of a scheme under this Schedule, a superannuation benefit would have been granted to or in respect of a person accepted into the service of a relevant body under section 52, in respect of the person's service in the National Council for Educational Awards, then the superannuation benefit shall be granted and paid to or in respect of that person by the relevant body and, for that purpose, his or her pensionable service with that body shall be aggregated with his or her previous pensionable service.
Uimhir 26 de 1999
ACHT NA gCÁILÍOCHTAÍ (OIDEACHAS AGUS OILIÚINT), 1999
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
RIAR NA nALT
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Alt | |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann
5. | |
6. | |
7. | |
8. | |
9. | |
10. | |
11. |
Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna
An Chomhairle: Forálacha Ginearálta
12. | Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna a bhunú. |
13. | |
14. | |
15. | |
16. | |
17. | Achomhairc chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcoinne bailíochtú a dhiúltú nó a tharraingt siar. |
18. |
Údarás a Tharmligean
19. | |
20. |
Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna
An Chomhairle: Forálacha Ginearálta
21. | Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna a bhunú. |
22. | |
23. | |
24. | |
25. | |
26. | |
27. | Achomhairc chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcoinne bailíochtú a dhiúltú nó a tharraingt siar. |
28. |
Údarás a Tharmligean
29. | |
30. |
Cairteacha
31. |
Leasú ar Acht 1992
32. |
Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais a dhíscaoileadh, etc.
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath
38. | |
39. |
Ollscoileanna
Ról na nOllscoileanna
40. |
Ollscoileanna arna mbunú faoi alt 9 d'Acht 1997
41. | |
42. |
Cosaint d'Fhoghlaimeoirí
43. | |
44. | |
45. | |
46. | Faisnéis a bheidh le tabhairt ag an soláthraí: rochtain, aistriú agus forchéimniú. |
47. |
Forálacha Ginearálta
48. | |
49. | |
50. | |
51. | |
52. | |
53. | Comhaltas de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó de Pharlaimint na hEorpa. |
54. | |
55. | |
56. | |
57. | |
58. | |
59. | |
60. | |
61. | |
62. | |
63. | |
64. | |
65. | |
66. |
Comhaltas agus Cruinnithe
An Príomhfheidhmeannach
Aoisliúntas
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990 | |
Acht an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste (Leasú), 1993 | 1993, Uimh. 8 |
An tAcht um Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, 1992 | 1992, Uimh. 15 |
Na hAchtanna um Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, 1992 agus 1994 | |
An tAcht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa, 1997 | 1997, Uimh. 2 |
An tAcht um Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, 1979 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 14 & 15 Vic., c. 93 |
Achtanna na gColáistí Teicniúla Réigiúnacha, 1992 go 1999 | |
Acht na nOllscoileanna, 1997 | 1997, Uimh. 24 |
Uimhir 26 de 1999
ACHT NA gCÁILÍOCHTAÍ (OIDEACHAS AGUS OILIÚINT), 1999
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
ACHT DO BHUNÚ STRUCHTÚIR RIARACHÁIN CHUN CÁILÍOCHTAÍ OIDEACHAIS AGUS OILIÚNA A FHORBAIRT, A AITHINT AGUS A DHÁMHACHTAIN SA STÁT; DO BHUNÚ ÚDARÁS NÁISIÚNTA CÁILÍOCHTAÍ NA hÉIREANN, CHOMHAIRLE NA nDÁMHACHTAINÍ BREISOIDEACHAIS AGUS OILIÚNA AGUS CHOMHAIRLE NA nDÁMHACHTAINÍ ARDOIDEACHAIS AGUS OILIÚNA AGUS DO MHÍNIÚ A bhFEIDHMEANNA; DO DHÍSCAOILEADH CHOMHAIRLE NÁISIÚNTA NA gCÁILÍOCHTAÍ OIDEACHAIS; D'AISGHAIRM AN ACHTA UM CHOMHAIRLE NÁISIÚNTA NA gCÁILÍOCHTAÍ OIDEACHAIS, 1979; DO LEASÚ ACHT NA gCOLÁISTÍ TEICNIÚLA RÉIGIÚNACHA, 1992, AGUS AN ACHTA UM ÁISEANNA SAOTHAIR, 1987, AGUS DO DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ I dTAOBH NITHE GAOLMHARA.
[13 Iúil, 1999]
ACHTAÍTEAR AG AN OIREACHTAS MAR A LEANAS:
CUID I
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Gearrtheideal, tosach feidhme, comhlua agus forléiriú.
1.—(1) Féadfar Acht na gCáilíochtaí (Oideachas agus Oiliúint), 1999, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh cibé lá nó laethanta a cheapfaidh an tAire le hordú nó le horduithe i gcoitinne nó faoi threoir aon chríche nó forála áirithe agus féadfar laethanta éagsúla a cheapadh amhlaidh chun críoch éagsúil agus le haghaidh forálacha éagsúla.
(3) (a) Déanfar Caibidil IV de Chuid IV agus, a mhéid a bhaineann siad leis an gCaibidil sin, an t-alt seo agus alt 2 a fhorléiriú i dteannta Achtanna na gColáistí Teicniúla Réigiúnacha, 1992 go 1999, mar aon ní amháin, agus folófar iad sa chomhlua “Achtanna na gColáistí Teicniúla Réigiúnacha, 1992 go 1999”.
(b) Féadfar na hAchtanna um Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, 1992 go 1999, a ghairm de na hAchtanna um Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, 1992 agus 1994, de Chuid V agus, a mhéid a bhaineann siad leis an gCuid sin, den alt seo agus d'alt 2, le chéile, agus forléireofar le chéile iad mar aon ní amháin.
(c) Féadfar Achtanna na nOllscoileanna, 1997 agus 1999, a ghairm d'Acht na nOllscoileanna, 1997, de Chuid VI agus, a mhéid a bhaineann siad leis an gCuid sin, den alt seo agus d'alt 2, le chéile, agus forléireofar le chéile iad mar aon ní amháin.
(d) Féadfar na hAchtanna um Áiseanna Saothair, 1987 agus 1999, a ghairm den Acht um Áiseanna Saothair, 1987, d'alt 62 agus, a mhéid a bhaineann siad leis an alt sin, den alt seo agus d'alt 2, le chéile, agus forléireofar le chéile iad mar aon ní amháin.
Léiriú.
2.—(1) San Acht seo, mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
ciallaíonn “rochtain” an próiseas trína bhféadfaidh foghlaimeoirí clár oideachais agus oiliúna a thosú tar éis dóibh aitheantas a fháil d'eolas, do scil nó d'inniúlacht a bheidh bainte amach;
ciallaíonn “Acht 1992” Acht na gColáistí Teicniúla Réigiúnacha, 1992;
ciallaíonn “Acht 1997” Acht na nOllscoileanna, 1997;
ciallaíonn “dámhachtain” dámhachtain a bhronnann, a dheonaíonn nó a thugann comhlacht dámhachtana agus lena dtaifeadtar go bhfuil caighdeán eolais, scile nó inniúlachta bainte amach ag foghlaimeoir, agus folóidh tagairtí san Acht seo do “dámhachtain” tagairtí do “dámhachtain bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna” nó do “dámhachtain ardoideachais agus oiliúna”;
ciallaíonn “comhlacht dámhachtana” comhlacht a dhéanann damhachtainí;
ciallaíonn “CERT” an chuideachta dar teideal “CERT, an Ghníomhaireacht Oiliúna Turasóireachta Stáit”, a corpraíodh ar an 7ú lá de Shamhain, 1963;
ciallaíonn “cairt” cairt de chuid forais aitheanta dá dtagraítear in alt 31;
ciallaíonn “príomhfheidhmeannach” príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, a cheapfar faoi alt 50, agus folaíonn sé duine a bheidh ag gníomhú san oifig sin nó ag comhlíonadh dualgas príomhfheidhmeannaigh i gcás go mbeidh sé nó sí údaraithe go cuí déanamh amhlaidh;
ciallaíonn “ráta críochnúcháin” an líon foghlaimeoirí a chríochnaíonn clár oideachais agus oiliúna arna shloinneadh mar chéatadán den líon foghlaimeoirí a thosaigh an clár lena mbaineann;
ciallaíonn “fostaí”, i ndáil le hÚdarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, duine a bheidh fostaithe ag aon cheann acu in aon cháil, agus folaíonn sé oifigeach d'aon cheann acu;
ciallaíonn “an Foras” an Foras Áiseanna Saothair;
tá le “creat cáilíochtaí” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 7;
folaíonn “feidhmeanna” cumhachtaí agus dualgais agus folaíonn tagairt do chomhlíonadh feidhmeanna, maidir le cumhachtaí agus dualgais, tagairt d'fheidhmiú na gcumhachtaí agus do chomhall na ndualgas;
ciallaíonn “breisoideachas agus oiliúint” oideachas agus oiliúint, seachas bunoideachas nó iar-bhunoideachas nó ardoideachas agus oiliúint, a gcinneann Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann faoi alt 10 gur breisoideachas agus oiliúint é;
ciallaíonn “Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna” an comhlacht a bhunaítear faoi alt 12;
ciallaíonn “ardoideachas agus oiliúint” oideachas agus oiliúint, seachas bunoideachas nó iar-bhunoideachas nó breisoideachas agus oiliúint, a gcinneann Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann faoi alt 10 gur ardoideachas agus oiliúint é;
ciallaíonn “Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna” an comhlacht a bhunaítear faoi alt 21;
ciallaíonn “príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach” duine a cheapfaidh an tAire chun bheith ina phríomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach nó ina príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach ar chomhlacht iomchuí faoi alt 51;
ciallaíonn “foghlaimeoir” duine a bhfuil eolas, scil nó inniúlacht á bhaint amach nó á baint amach nó bainte amach aige nó aici;
ciallaíonn “Aire” an tAire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta;
ciallaíonn “Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Gairmoideachais” an comhlacht ad hoc faoin ainm sin arna bhunú ag an Aire;
ciallaíonn “Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann” an comhlacht a bhunaítear faoi alt 5;
ciallaíonn “an Bord Náisiúnta Deimhniúcháin Turasóireachta” an comhlacht arna bhunú ag CERT agus ag an Aire chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh maidir le cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a bhaineann le turasóireacht;
folaíonn “oifigeach”, i ndáil le hÚdarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh—
(a) an príomhfheidhmeannach,
(b) duine is oifigeach do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais díreach roimh thosach feidhme Chaibidil V de Chuid IV, agus
(c) cibé fostaithe eile a chinnfidh Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, ó am go ham;
ciallaíonn “clár oideachais agus oiliúna” aon phróiseas trína bhféadfaidh foghlaimeoirí eolas, scil nó inniúlacht a bhaint amach agus folaíonn sé cúrsaí staidéir nó teagaisc, printíseachtaí, oiliúint agus fostaíocht agus forléireofar tagairtí do “clár” dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “forchéimniú” an próiseas trína bhféadfaidh foghlaimeoirí aistriú ó chlár oideachais agus oiliúna amháin go dtí clár eile nuair atá gach clár ar chaighdeán níos airde ná an clár roimhe;
ciallaíonn “soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna” duine nó comhlacht a dhéanann clár oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích agus forléireofar tagairtí do “soláthraí” dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “forais aitheanta” na forais a shonraítear in alt 24;
ciallaíonn “riachtanais speisialta oideachais agus oiliúna” riachtanais oideachais agus oiliúna foghlaimeoirí atá faoi mhíchumas;
ciallaíonn “Teagasc” Teagasc—an tÚdarás Forbartha Talmhaíochta agus Bia;
ciallaíonn “aistriú” an próiseas trína bhféadfaidh foghlaimeoirí aistriú ó chlár oideachais agus oiliúna amháin go dtí clár eile tar éis dóibh aitheantas a fháil d'eolas, do scil nó d'inniúlacht a bheidh bainte amach;
ciallaíonn “an tÚdarás” an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas;
ciallaíonn “ollscoil” ollscoil a shonraítear i míreanna (a) go (d) d'alt 4(1) d'Acht na nOllscoileanna, 1997;
ciallaíonn “bailíochtú” an próiseas trína ndeimhneoidh comhlacht dámhachtana dó féin go bhféadfaidh foghlaimeoir eolas, scil nó inniúlacht a bhaint amach chun críche dámhachtana arna déanamh ag an gcomhlacht dámhachtana agus forléireofar focail ghaolmhara dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “coiste gairmoideachais” coiste arna bhunú faoi alt 7 den Acht Oideachais Ghairme Beatha, 1930.
(2) San Acht seo—
(a) aon tagairt d'alt, do Chaibidil nó do Chuid, is tagairt í d'alt, do Chaibidil nó do Chuid den Acht seo, mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'achtachán éigin eile atá beartaithe,
(b) aon tagairt d'fho-alt, do mhír nó d'fhomhír, is tagairt í d'fho-alt, do mhír nó d'fhomhír den fhoráil ina bhfuil an tagairt, mura gcuirtear in iúl gur tagairt d'fhoráil éigin eile atá beartaithe,
(c) aon tagairt do Sceideal, is tagairt í do Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo, agus
(d) ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, déanfar aon tagairt d'aon achtachán eile a fhorléiriú mar thagairt don achtachán sin arna leasú le haon achtachán eile, nó faoi aon achtachán eile, lena n-áirítear an tAcht seo.
Caiteachais.
3.—Déanfar na caiteachais a thabhóidh an tAire ag riaradh an Achta seo a íoc, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais é, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
Cuspóirí an Achta.
4.—(1) Is iad seo a leanas cuspóirí an Achta seo:
(a) caighdeáin eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a bhunú agus a fhorbairt;
(b) cáilíocht an bhreisoideachais agus na hoiliúna agus an ardoideachais agus na hoiliúna a chur chun cinn;
(c) córas a sholáthar chun dámhachtainí oideachais agus oiliúna a chomheagrú agus a chur i gcomparáid;
(d) nósanna imeachta le haghaidh aistriú agus forchéimniú a chur chun cinn agus a chothabháil;
(e) foghlaim ar feadh an tsaoil a éascú trí rochtain agus deiseanna a chur chun cinn do gach foghlaimeoir, lena n-áirítear foghlaimeoirí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta oideachais agus oiliúna acu;
(f) aitheantas d'eolas, do scil nó d'inniúlacht a bheidh bainte amach trí thaighde, trí oideachas aosach agus leanúnach agus trí oiliúint agus fostaíocht, a chur chun cinn;
(g) cuidiú le réadú beartas náisiúnta agus cuspóirí náisiúnta oideachais agus oiliúna agus, go háirithe, le freastal do na riachtanais oideachais agus oiliúna atá ag an earnáil tionscail, lena n-áirítear talmhaíocht, gnó, turasóireacht, trádáil, na gairmeacha agus an tseirbhís phoiblí;
(h) comhoibriú a chur chun cinn idir soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna agus an earnáil tionscail, lena n-áirítear talmhaíocht, gnó, turasóireacht, trádáil, na gairmeacha agus an tseirbhís phoiblí;
(i) aitheantas lasmuigh den Stát do dhámhachtainí arna ndéanamh ag comhlachtaí sa Stát, agus aitheantas sa Stát do dhámhachtainí arna ndéanamh ag comhlachtaí lasmuigh den Stát, a chur chun cinn;
(j) ag féachaint do thraidisiúin soláthraithe oideachais agus oiliúna, éagsúlacht in oideachas agus in oiliúint a chur chun cinn idir breisoideachas agus oiliúint agus ardoideachas agus oiliúint agus laistigh de gach aon cheann acu sin; agus
(k) cuidiú le réadú beartas agus cuspóirí náisiúnta i ndáil le leathadh an dátheangachais i sochaí na hÉireann agus, go háirithe, go mbainfí úsáid níos mó as an nGaeilge, agus cuidiú le cultúir shainiúla na hÉireann a chur chun cinn.
(2) Déanfaidh gach comhlacht agus duine a mbeidh baint aige nó aici leis an Acht seo a chur i ngníomh, le linn dóibh a bhfeidhmeanna faoin Acht seo a fheidhmiú, aird a thabhairt ar na cuspóirí a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
CUID II
Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann
Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann a bhunú.
5.—(1) Beidh comhlacht arna bhunú ar a dtabharfar Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann nó, i mBéarla, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (dá ngairtear “an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí” san Acht seo) chun na feidhmeanna a thugtar dó leis an Acht seo nó faoi a chomhlíonadh.
(2) Beidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ina chomhlacht corpraithe ag a mbeidh comharbas suthain agus séala oifigiúil agus beidh cumhacht agartha aige agus féadfar é a agairt ina ainm corpraithe agus, le toiliú an Aire, beidh cumhacht aige talamh nó leas i dtalamh a fháil, a shealbhú agus a dhiúscairt agus aon mhaoin eile a fháil, a shealbhú agus a dhiúscairt.
Comhaltas an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí.
6.—(1) 14 chomhalta a bheidh ar an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(2) Is iad seo a leanas comhaltaí an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí—
(a) cathaoirleach an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí,
(b) príomhfheidhmeannach an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí,
(c) beirt a bheidh ainmnithe ag an Aire, ar duine atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach d'eagraíochtaí pobail agus saorálacha, duine amháin acu,
(d) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta,
(e) cathaoirleach Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna,
(f) cathaoirleach Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna,
(g) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag ollscoileanna,
(h) duine amháin atá, i dtuairim an Aire tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, ionadaitheach d'fhoghlaimeoirí,
(i) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Forfás,
(j) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Cónaidhm Ghnó agus Fostóirí na hÉireann,
(k) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Comhar Ceardchumann na hÉireann, agus
(l) beirt a bheidh ainmnithe de réir fho-alt (3).
(3) Faoi réir fho-alt (1), déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí beirt ag a bhfuil eolas agus taithí speisialta a bhaineann le feidhmeanna an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí a ainmniú ina gcomhaltaí, agus is duine ag a bhfuil taithí idirnáisiúnta a bhaineann leis na feidhmeanna sin a bheidh i nduine amháin ar a laghad acu sin.
(4) Beidh feidhm ag an gCéad Sceideal maidir leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(5) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun críocha ainmniúchán a bheidh le déanamh faoi fho-alt (2) nó (3).
(6) I gcás go ndéanfar ainmniúchán faoi fho-alt (2) nó (3), tabharfar aird ar a inmhianaithe atá sé cothromaíocht chuí inscne a bheith ann agus i gcás níos mó ná ainmniúchán amháin a bheith ag duine nó ag comhlacht faoin alt seo, ainmneoidh an duine nó an comhlacht duine fireann amháin, ar a laghad, agus duine baineann amháin, ar a laghad.
Cuspóirí an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí.
7.—Is iad seo a leanas cuspóirí an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí:
(a) creat a bhunú agus a chothabháil, ar creat é chun cáilíochtaí a fhorbairt, a aithint agus a dhámhachtain sa Stát (dá ngairtear “creat cáilíochtaí” san Acht seo), agus a bheidh bunaithe ar chaighdeáin eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoirí;
(b) caighdeáin a bhunú maidir le dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna, agus dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna, Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath agus ollscoileanna arna mbunú faoi alt 9 d'Acht 1997, agus cothabháil agus feabhsú na gcaighdeán sin a chur chun cinn; agus
(c) rochtain, aistriú agus forchéimniú a chur chun cinn agus a éascú.
Feidhmeanna an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí.
8.—(1) Is iad feidhmeanna an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí gach rud is gá nó is fóirsteanach a dhéanamh de réir an Achta seo chun cuspóirí an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí a chur ar aghaidh.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí—
(a) na beartais agus na critéir ar a mbunófar an creat cáilíochtaí a bhunú,
(b) oibriú an chreata cáilíochtaí a athbhreithniú, ag féachaint do na cuspóirí a shonraítear in alt 7,
(c) nósanna imeachta a bhunú, i gcomhairle le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna agus le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, maidir le comhlíonadh a bhfeidhmeanna acu agus déanfaidh sé na nósanna imeachta sin a athbhreithniú ó am go ham,
(d) na nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú agus forchéimniú a bheidh le cur i ngníomh ag soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a chinneadh agus foilseoidh sé na nósanna imeachta sin i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí,
(e) a chinntiú, i gcomhairle le hInstitiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath agus le hollscoileanna arna mbunú faoi alt 9 d'Acht 1997, go bhfuil na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear i mír (d) á gcur i ngníomh acu,
(f) a éascú d'ollscoileanna na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear i mír (d) a chur i ngníomh agus comhairle a thabhairt dóibh ina thaobh sin, agus cur i ngníomh na nósanna imeachta sin ag ollscoileanna a athbhreithniú, i gcomhairle leis an Údarás, ó am go ham agus in aon chás uair amháin ar a laghad gach cúig bliana, agus torthaí aon athbhreithnithe den sórt sin a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis,
(g) dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire nó le haon Aire eile, de réir mar a bheidh, agus comhairle a thabhairt dó nó di, maidir le cibé nithe i ndáil lena fheidhmeanna a iarrfaidh an tAire nó aon Aire eile nó is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, agus
(h) (i) idirchaidreamh a dhéanamh le comhlachtaí lasmuigh den Stát a dhéanann dámhachtainí oideachais agus oiliúna chun go n-éascófar aitheantas sa Stát do dhámhachtainí oideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanann na comhlachtaí sin, agus
(ii) aitheantas lasmuigh den Stát do dhámhachtainí oideachais agus oiliúna a thugtar sa Stát a éascú.
(3) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí an méid seo a leanas, le linn dó a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh—
(a) cuirfidh sé é féin ar an eolas i dtaobh na riachtanas oideachais, oiliúna, scileanna agus cáilíochtaí atá ag an earnáil tionscail, lena n-áirítear talmhaíocht, gnó, turasóireacht, trádáil, na gairmeacha agus an tseirbhís phoiblí, lena n-áirítear an leibhéal eolais, scileanna nó inniúlachta a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoirí, agus déanfaidh sé cleachtais a fhreastalaíonn do na riachtanais sin a chur chun cinn in oideachas agus oiliúint,
(b) cuirfidh sé é féin ar an eolas i dtaobh cleachtas lasmuigh den Stát maidir le nithe is iomchuí i leith a fheidhmeanna,
(c) tabharfaidh sé éifeacht do na beartais a bhaineann le hoideachas agus le hoiliúint a ndéanfaidh an tAire, nó aon Aire eile le comhaontú an Aire, iad a bhunú ó am go ham, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, agus fógra a thabhairt ina dtaobh don Údarás Cáilíochtaí, agus
(d) rachaidh sé i gcomhairle, de réir mar is cuí leis, le hollscoileanna, le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, le hInstitiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, le forais aitheanta, leis an bhForas, le CERT, le Teagasc, leis an mBord Iascaigh Mhara, le forais oideachais nó oiliúna arna mbunú ag coiste gairmoideachais, le soláthraithe eile oideachais agus oiliúna, le daoine, nó le comhlachtaí daoine, atá ionadaitheach d'fhostaithe soláthraithe oideachais agus oiliúna nó atá ionadaitheach d'fhoghlaimeoirí, leis an Údarás, leis an gComhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta agus le cibé daoine eile nó comhlachtaí eile daoine is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, agus breithneoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí tuairimí, más ann, na gcomhlachtaí sin chun na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) (d) a chinneadh.
Athbhreithniú ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
9.—(1) Féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar chomhlíonadh a feidhmeanna ag Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó ag Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus féadfaidh sé cibé moltaí is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i ndáil leis an gcomhlíonadh sin a chur faoi bhráid na Comhairle lena mbaineann.
(2) Déanfaidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna na moltaí, más ann, a dhéanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí faoi fho-alt (1) a chur i ngníomh.
(3) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí torthaí aon athbhreithnithe faoi fho-alt (1) a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis.
Cinneadh ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
10.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (3), féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí na nithe seo a leanas a chinneadh—
(a) an ardoideachas agus oiliúint, nó breisoideachas agus oiliúint, é aon chlár áirithe oideachais agus oiliúna, nó
(b) an ar leibhéal dámhachtana breisoideachais agus oiliúna, nó ar leibhéal dámhachtana ardoideachais agus oiliúna, atá an caighdeán eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoir chun críocha dámhachtana.
(2) Le linn cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1), beidh aird ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, de réir mar is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí—
(a) ar an gclár oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann, nó
(b) ar an gcaighdeán eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a bheidh bainte amach ag foghlaimeoir, cibé slí inar baineadh amach é, nó
(c) ar an gclár oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann agus ar an gcaighdeán eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a bheidh bainte amach ag foghlaimeoir, cibé slí inar baineadh amach é.
(3) Measfar, mura gcinnfidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí a mhalairt faoi fho-alt (1), gur breisoideachas agus oiliúint é aon chlár oideachais agus oiliúna a dtagann de go mbaineann foghlaimeoirí amach caighdeán eolais, scile nó inniúlachta nach airde ná an leibhéal ar dá réir a rinne Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Gairmoideachais damhachtainí roimh an 3ú lá de Mhárta, 1999.
Deontais.
11.—(1) Déanfaidh an tAire deontas nó deontais ina mbeidh cibé méid is cuí leis an Aire, le toiliú an Aire Airgeadais, a íoc gach bliain leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
(2) Féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí deontas nó deontais, ina mbeidh cibé méid is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, a íoc gach bliain le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, as airgead a bheidh faighte aige faoi fho-alt (1).
(3) Is ar cibé modh agus faoi réir cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí a dhéanfar íocaíocht faoi fho-alt (2) le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh.
CUID III
Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna
Caibidil 1
An Chomhairle: Forálacha Ginearálta
Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna a bhunú.
12.—(1) Beidh comhlacht arna bhunú ar a dtabharfar Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó, sa Bhéarla, the Further Education and Training Awards Council (dá ngairtear “an Chomhairle” sa Chuid seo) chun na feidhmeanna a thugtar dó leis an Acht seo nó faoi a chomhlíonadh.
(2) Beidh an Chomhairle ina comhlacht corpraithe le comharbas suthain agus séala oifigiúil agus beidh cumhacht agartha aici agus féadfar í a agairt ina hainm corpraithe agus, le toiliú an Aire, beidh cumhacht aici talamh nó leas i dtalamh a fháil, a shealbhú agus a dhiúscairt agus aon mhaoin eile a fháil, a shealbhú agus a dhiúscairt.
(3) Measfar gur dámhachtain a rinne an Chomhairle aon dámhachtain bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna ó Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Gairmoideachais, ó Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, ón bhForas, ón mBord Náisiúnta Deimhniúcháin Turasóireachta nó ó Theagasc a rinneadh roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo.
(4) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, go ceann tréimhse cúig bliana ó thosach feidhme na Coda seo, dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint i gcás gur deimhin léi—
(a) go raibh, roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo, nó
(b) go mbeadh, murach tosach feidhme na Coda seo,
an clár oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann bailíochtaithe ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Gairmoideachais, ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, ag an bhForas, ag an mBord Náisiúnta Deimhniúcháin Turasóireachta nó ag Teagasc chun dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint.
Comhaltas na Comhairle.
13.—(1) 18 gcomhalta a bheidh ar an gComhairle.
(2) Is iad seo a leanas comhaltaí na Comhairle—
(a) cathaoirleach na Comhairle,
(b) príomhfheidhmeannach na Comhairle,
(c) príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna,
(d) beirt a bheidh ainmnithe ag an Aire,
(e) beirt a bheidh ainmnithe ag an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta,
(f) beirt atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach d'fhorais oideachais nó oiliúna arna mbunú agus arna gcothabháil ag coiste gairmoideachais,
(g) duine amháin atá, i dtuairim an Aire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, ionadaitheach d'fhoghlaimeoirí atá rannpháirteach i gcláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna,
(h) duine amháin atá, i dtuairim an Aire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, ionadaitheach d'fhostaithe de chuid soláthraithe clár breisoideachais agus oiliúna,
(i) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag CERT,
(j) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Teagasc,
(k) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag an bhForas,
(l) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Cónaidhm Ghnó agus Fostóirí na hÉireann,
(m) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Comhar Ceardchumann na hÉireann, agus
(n) beirt a ainmneofar de réir fho-alt (3).
(3) Faoi réir fho-alt (1), déanfaidh an Chomhairle beirt ag a bhfuil eolas agus taithí speisialta a bhaineann le feidhmeanna na Comhairle a ainmniú ina gcomhaltaí, agus is duine ag a bhfuil taithí idirnáisiúnta iomchuí a bhaineann leis na feidhmeanna sin a bheidh i nduine amháin ar a laghad acu sin.
(4) Beidh feidhm ag an gCéad Sceideal maidir leis an gComhairle.
(5) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun críocha ainmniúchán a bheidh le déanamh faoi fho-alt (2) nó (3).
(6) I gcás go ndéanfar ainmniúchán faoi fho-alt (2) nó (3), tabharfar aird ar a inmhianaithe atá sé cothromaíocht chuí inscne a bheith ann agus i gcás níos mó ná ainmniúchán amháin a bheith ag duine nó ag comhlacht faoin alt seo, ainmneoidh an duine nó an comhlacht duine fireann amháin, ar a laghad, agus duine baineann amháin, ar a laghad.
Feidhmeanna na Comhairle.
14.—(1) Is iad seo a leanas feidhmeanna na Comhairle:
(a) beartais agus critéir a bhunú agus a fhoilsiú, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí léi—
(i) maidir le dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, agus
(ii) maidir le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú,
agus na beartais agus na critéir sin a athbhreithniú uair amháin ar a laghad gach cúig bliana;
(b) caighdeáin eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a chinneadh, ar caighdeáin iad a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoirí—
(i) sula bhféadfaidh an Chomhairle, nó soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 19, dámhachtain bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, nó
(ii) a iarrfaidh ar an gComhairle aitheantas a thabhairt do dhámhachtain a bheidh déanta ag comhlacht seachas an Chomhairle nó soláthraí a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 19;
(c) dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint, ar dámhachtainí iad a bheidh tugtha nó le tabhairt do dhaoine a dhéanfaidh iarratas ar na damhachtainí sin agus a mbeidh, i dtuairim na Comhairle, an caighdeán arna chinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (b) bainte amach acu;
(d) faireachán agus meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar cháilíocht clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar nó a n-aithnítear dámhachtainí ina leith faoi mhír (c);
(e) a chinntiú go ndéanfaidh—
(i) soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar a gcláir a bhailíochtú faoi alt 15, agus
(ii) soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chucu faoi alt 19,
nósanna imeachta a bhunú chun foghlaimeoirí a mheasúnú, ar nósanna imeachta iad a bheidh cóir agus i gcomhréir lena chéile agus é mar chuspóir leo caighdeáin arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (b) a chomhlíonadh;
(f) dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna na Comhairle a chur chun cinn;
(g) a éascú don Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus cabhrú leis a fheidhmeanna a chomhall;
(h) dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire nó le haon Aire eile, de réir mar a bheidh, agus comhairle a thabhairt dó nó di, maidir le cibé nithe i ndáil lena feidhmeanna a iarrfaidh an tAire nó aon Aire eile nó is cuí leis an gComhairle, agus eolas a thabhairt don Údarás Cáilíochtaí i dtaobh aon chomhchomhairle agus aon chomhairle den sórt sin, agus
(i) na gníomhartha nó na nithe sin go léir a dhéanamh is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun a feidhmeanna a fheidhmiú.
(2) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle an méid seo a leanas, le linn di a feidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh—
(a) rachaidh sí i gcomhairle, de réir mar is cuí léi, le soláthraithe breisoideachais agus oiliúna nó le daoine nó comhlachtaí eile,
(b) tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, cuirfidh sí í féin ar an eolas i dtaobh cleachtas lasmuigh den Stát maidir le nithe is iomchuí i leith a feidhmeanna,
(c) tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, cuirfidh sí í féin ar an eolas i dtaobh na riachtanas oideachais, oiliúna, scileanna agus cáilíochtaí atá ag an earnáil tionscail, lena n-áirítear talmhaíocht, gnó, turasóireacht, trádáil, na gairmeacha agus an tseirbhís phoiblí, lena n-áirítear an leibhéal eolais, scileanna nó inniúlachta a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoirí, agus déanfaidh sí cleachtais a fhreastalaíonn do na riachtanais sin a chur chun cinn i mbreisoideachas agus oiliúint, agus
(d) cinnteoidh sí go ndéanfaidh—
(i) soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar a gcláir a bhailíochtú faoi alt 15, agus
(ii) soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chucu faoi alt 19,
nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú agus forchéimniú arna gcinneadh ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí faoi alt 8(2) (d) a chur i ngníomh.
(3) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle a iarraidh—
(a) ar sholáthraí clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar a chláir a bhailíochtú faoi alt 15, nó
(b) ar sholáthraí clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 19,
cabhrú leis an gComhairle teacht ar thuairim i dtaobh an bhfuil an caighdeán arna chinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (b) d'fho-alt (1), arb é an caighdeán é chun dámhachtain bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint faoi mhír (c) den fho-alt sin, bainte amach ag duine.
An Chomhairle do bhailíochtú clár.
15.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (2) agus (3), féadfaidh soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna iarratas a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle go ndéanfaí an clár sin a bhailíochtú.
(2) (a) Faoi réir mhíreanna (b) agus (c) agus fho-alt (3), déanfaidh forais aitheanta, an Foras, CERT, Teagasc, an Bord Iascaigh Mhara, aon fhoras oideachais nó oiliúna arna bhunú agus arna chothabháil ag coiste gairmoideachais agus aon scoil a sholáthraíonn iar-bhunoideachas, iarratas chuig an gComhairle faoi fho-alt (1) go ndéanfadh an Chomhairle na cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna go léir a sholáthraíonn siad, a eagraíonn siad nó a thugann siad i gcrích a bhailíochtú, seachas na cláir sin a sholáthraítear mar ghníomhaíocht fhóillíochta nó áineasa agus nach mbeartaítear go leanfadh dámhachtain faoin Acht seo astu.
(b) Ní bheidh feidhm ag mír (a) maidir le clár breisoideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtain a dhéanamh ina leith tarmligthe chuig soláthraí faoi alt 19.
(c) Más rud é go mbeidh foras aitheanta tar éis comhshocraíochtaí a dhéanamh faoi alt 5(1)(b) d'Acht 1992, ní bheidh feidhm ag mír (a), ach sin faoi réir chomhaontú na Comhairle agus an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, maidir le clár breisoideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an foras aitheanta sin go ceann cibé tréimhse, nach faide ná cúig bliana ó thosach feidhme na Coda seo, a chinnfidh an Chomhairle le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfaidh soláthraí (“an chéad soláthraí a luaitear”) clár breisoideachais agus oiliúna a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, agus gur soláthraí eile (“an dara soláthraí a luaitear”) a dhéanfaidh an clár sin a sholáthar, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, rachaidh an chéad soláthraí a luaitear i gcomhairle leis an dara soláthraí a luaitear sula ndéanfaidh sé iarratas ar bhailíochtú faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2).
(4) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, ar iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2) a fháil—
(a) clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú, faoi réir cibé coinníollacha is cuí léi, i gcás gur deimhin léi go bhfreagraíonn an clár lena mbaineann do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a) (ii) d'alt 14(1), nó
(b) bailíochtú a dhiúltú.
(5) Maidir leis na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (4)(a), áireofar orthu, ach ní gá gurb é amháin a bheidh i gceist iontu, coinníollacha a cheanglaíonn ar an soláthraí lena mbaineann—
(a) comhoibriú agus cabhrú leis an gComhairle, agus leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcás gur cuí sin, le linn dóibh a bhfeidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh,
(b) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 14(1)(e) a bhunú,
(c) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 14(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh, agus
(d) cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham d'fhonn feidhmeanna na Comhairle a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear faisnéis maidir le rátaí críochnúcháin, a sholáthar.
Bailíochtú a tharraingt siar.
16.—(1) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, aon tráth, athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar chlár oideachais agus oiliúna arna bhailíochtú faoi alt 15.
(2) Tar éis athbhreithniú faoi fho-alt (1), i gcás gurb é tuairim na Comhairle—
(a) maidir le clár oideachais agus oiliúna arna bhailíochtú faoi alt 15, nach bhfreagraíonn sé a thuilleadh do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a)(ii) d'alt 14(1), nó
(b) nach bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a) d'alt 15(4) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) go bhfuil forais réasúnacha eile ann chun a bailíochtú a tharraingt siar,
déanfaidh an Chomhairle, le fógra i scríbhinn, a tuairim agus na fáthanna atá leis an tuairim sin a chur in iúl do sholáthraí an chláir lena mbaineann agus déarfar san fhógra go bhféadfaidh an soláthraí uiríll a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle i ndáil leis an tuairim sin tráth nach déanaí ná mí amháin tar éis don soláthraí an fógra a fháil.
(3) Más rud é, tar éis mí amháin a bheith caite ó sheirbheáil an fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) agus tar éis aon uiríll a bheidh déanta chuig an gComhairle a bhreithniú, gurb é sin tuairim na Comhairle i gcónaí, féadfaidh sí a bailíochtú i leith an chláir lena mbaineann a tharraingt siar, le fógra i scríbhinn a bheidh dírithe chuig an soláthraí, ó cibé dáta is cuí léi agus ag féachaint do leasanna na bhfoghlaimeoirí lena mbaineann agus go dtí gur deimhin léi—
(a) go bhfreagraíonn an clár lena mbaineann do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a)(ii) d'alt 14(1), nó
(b) go bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a) d'alt 15(4) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) nach ann a thuilleadh do na forais, dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(c), chun bailíochtú a tharraingt siar,
cibé acu is cuí.
Achomhairc chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcoinne bailíochtú a dhiúltú nó a tharraingt siar.
17.—(1) I gcás go ndiúltóidh an Chomhairle clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú faoi alt 15 nó go dtarraingeoidh sí siar a bailíochtú i leith cláir faoi alt 16, féadfaidh soláthraí an chláir lena mbaineann achomharc i gcoinne an diúltaithe sin nó na tarraingthe siar sin a dhéanamh chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an gComhairle—
(a) cinneadh na Comhairle a dhaingniú, nó
(b) cinneadh na Comhairle a neamhniú agus a chinneadh féin a chur in ionad chinneadh na Comhairle.
(2) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle de réir cinnidh a dhéanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí faoi fho-alt (1)(b).
Dearbhú cáilíochta.
18.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (6), a luaithe is indéanta tar éis thosach feidhme na Coda seo agus cibé tráthanna eile is cuí leis an gComhairle tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an soláthraí lena mbaineann, déanfaidh soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna—
(a) a bhfuil an Chomhairle tar éis a chlár a bhailíochtú faoi alt 15, nó
(b) a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh i leith an chláir sin tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 19,
ag féachaint do nósanna imeachta láithreacha, más ann, nósanna imeachta a bhunú le haghaidh dearbhú cáilíochta chun cáilíocht an oideachais agus na hoiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích mar chuid den chlár lena mbaineann a fheabhsú tuilleadh agus a chothabháil agus comhaontóidh sé na nósanna imeachta sin leis an gComhairle.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), áireofar ar na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoin bhfo-alt sin—
(a) meastóireacht a dhéanamh go tráthrialta, agus de réir mar a ordóidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham, ar an gclár oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann, lena n-áirítear meastóireacht ag daoine atá inniúil ar chomparáidí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a dhéanamh ina leith sin,
(b) foghlaimeoirí do dhéanamh meastóireachta ar an gclár sin, agus
(c) meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar sheirbhísí a bhaineann leis an gclár sin,
agus déanfar foráil leo maidir le fionnachtana a éireoidh as cur chun feidhme na nósanna imeachta sin a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an gComhairle.
(3) Breithneoidh an Chomhairle na fionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) a chur chun feidhme agus féadfaidh sí moltaí a chur faoi bhráid sholáthraí an chláir lena mbaineann agus cuirfidh an soláthraí sin na moltaí sin i ngníomh.
(4) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, ó am go ham agus de réir mar a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, athbhreithniú, i gcomhairle le soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna, ar éifeachtacht na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) agus ar chur i ngníomh, ag an soláthraí lena mbaineann, na bhfionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta sin a chur chun feidhme.
(5) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, maidir le torthaí aon athbhreithnithe faoi fho-alt (4)—
(a) tuarascáil a thabhairt don Údarás Cáilíochtaí ina dtaobh, agus
(b) iad a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí,
agus cuirfidh sí tuairimí, más ann, ó sholáthraí an chláir lena mbaineann san áireamh sa tuarascáil agus san fhoilseachán.
(6) I gcás go ndéanfaidh soláthraí (“an chéad soláthraí a luaitear”) clár breisoideachais agus oiliúna a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, agus gur soláthraí eile (“an dara soláthraí a luaitear”) a dhéanfaidh an clár sin a sholáthar, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, déanfaidh an chéad soláthraí a luaitear, i dteannta na gceanglas a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1), a mhéid a bhaineann na nósanna imeachta atá le bunú faoin bhfo-alt sin leis an gcuid sin den chlár a sholáthraíonn an dara soláthraí a luaitear, na nósanna imeachta sin a chomhaontú leis an dara soláthraí a luaitear.
Caibidil II
Údarás a Tharmligean
Údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh a tharmligean.
19.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), féadfaidh an Foras, CERT nó Teagasc (dá ngairtear “soláthraí iomchuí” sa Chaibidil seo), de réir mar a bheidh, a iarraidh ar an gComhairle an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh a tharmligean chuige.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfaidh soláthraí iomchuí clár breisoideachais agus oiliúna a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, agus gur soláthraí ar bith eile a dhéanfaidh an clár sin a sholáthar, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, rachaidh an soláthraí iomchuí i gcomhairle leis an soláthraí eile sin sula ndéanfaidh sé iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1) go ndéanfaí údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh i leith an chláir sin a tharmligean chuige.
(3) Ar iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1) a fháil, cinnfidh agus foilseoidh an Chomhairle, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí léi, critéir chun críocha an ailt seo agus déanfaidh sí athbhreithniú, de réir fho-alt (4)—
(a) ar oibriú agus bainistiú an tsoláthraí iomchuí lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(b) ar na cláir sin.
(4) Le linn di athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (3), déanfaidh an Chomhairle nósanna imeachta arna gcomhaontú ó am go ham leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí a chur i ngníomh agus áireofar ar na nósanna imeachta sin—
(a) meastóireacht ag an soláthraí iomchuí—
(i) ar oibriú agus bainistiú an tsoláthraí iomchuí lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(ii) ar na cláir sin,
(b) i gcás go mbeidh an Chomhairle, le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, sásta le toradh na meastóireachta dá dtagraítear i mír (a), meastóireacht ina dhiaidh sin ag cibé daoine, ag a bhfuil eolas agus taithí áirithe a bhaineann le breisoideachas agus oiliúint, is cuí leis an gComhairle, lena n-áirítear daoine a bhfuil táithí idirnáisiúnta iomchuí acu, agus
(c) tuarascáil i dtaobh fhionnachtana na meastóireachtaí sin a fhoilsiú, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an gComhairle.
(5) I gcás gur deimhin leis an gComhairle, le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, tar éis athbhreithniú faoi fho-alt (3)—
(a) go bhfreagraíonn oibriú agus bainistiú soláthraí iomchuí i ndáil le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(b) go bhfreagraíonn na cláir sin,
do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle, chun críocha an ailt seo, le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, ansin féadfaidh an Chomhairle an t-údarás chun cibé damhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna, a shonróidh an Chomhairle le fógra i scríbhinn chuig an soláthraí iomchuí lena mbaineann agus chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, a dhéanamh, faoi réir cibé coinníollacha is cuí léi, a tharmligean chuig an soláthraí sin.
(6) Maidir leis na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5), áireofar orthu, ach ní gá gurb é amháin a bheidh i gceist iontu, coinníollacha a cheanglaíonn ar an soláthraí iomchuí—
(a) comhoibriú agus cabhrú leis an gComhairle, agus leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcás gur cuí sin, le linn dóibh a bhfeidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh,
(b) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 14(1)(e) a bhunú,
(c) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 14(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh, agus
(d) cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an Chomhairle d'fhonn feidhmeanna na Comhairle a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear faisnéis maidir le rátaí críochnúcháin, a sholáthar.
(7) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, d'fhonn na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5) a chinneadh, aird a thabhairt, go háirithe, ar chláir, más ann, dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2).
Údarás tarmligthe a athbhreithniú agus a tharraingt siar.
20.—(1) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham de réir mar is cuí léi agus in aon chás uair amháin ar a laghad gach cúig bliana, nó de réir mar a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, athbhreithniú, ar cibé modh is cuí léi—
(a) ar oibriú agus bainistiú soláthraí iomchuí, a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 19, i ndáil le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(b) ar na cláir sin.
(2) I gcás gurb é tuairim na Comhairle, tar éis di athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) (i) nach bhfreagraíonn oibriú nó bainistiú an tsoláthraí iomchuí lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, nó
(ii) nach bhfreagraíonn na cláir sin,
do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi alt 19(5), nó
(b) nach bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi alt 19(5) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) go bhfuil forais réasúnacha eile ann chun go dtarraingeofaí siar an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh atá tarmligthe chuig an soláthraí sin faoi alt 19,
déanfaidh sí, le fógra i scríbhinn, a tuairim agus na fáthanna atá leis an tuairim sin a chur in iúl don soláthraí iomchuí lena mbaineann agus déarfar san fhógra go bhféadfaidh an soláthraí iomchuí uiríll a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle i ndáil leis an tarraingt siar sin tráth nach déanaí ná trí mhí tar éis don soláthraí sin an fógra a fháil.
(3) Más rud é, tar éis trí mhí a bheith caite ó sheirbheáil an fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) agus tar éis aon uiríll a bheidh déanta chuig an gComhairle a bhreithniú, gurb é sin tuairim na Comhairle i gcónaí, féadfaidh sí an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh, atá tarmligthe chuig an soláthraí iomchuí faoi alt 19, a tharraingt siar, le fógra i scríbhinn a bheidh dírithe chuig an soláthraí sin, ó cibé dáta is cuí léi agus go dtí gur deimhin léi—
(a) (i) go bhfreagraíonn oibriú agus bainistiú an tsoláthraí iomchuí lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir bhreisoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, nó
(ii) go bhfreagraíonn na cláir sin,
do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi alt 19(5), nó
(b) go bhfuil na gcoinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi alt 19(5) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) nach ann a thuilleadh do na forais, dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(c), chun go dtarraingeofaí siar an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh,
cibé acu is cuí.
(4) Déanfar athbhreithniú faoi fho-alt (1) de réir cibé nósanna imeachta a chinnfidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí agus déanfar foráil leis na nósanna imeachta sin maidir le hachomharc chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcoinne cinnidh go dtarraingeofaí siar an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh, atá tarmligthe faoi alt 19.
CUID IV
Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna
Caibidil I
An Chomhairle: Forálacha Ginearálta
Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna a bhunú.
21.—(1) Beidh comhlacht arna bhunú ar a dtabharfar Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó, sa Bhéarla, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (dá ngairtear “an Chomhairle” sa Chuid seo) chun na feidhmeanna a thugtar dó leis an Acht seo nó faoi a chomhlíonadh.
(2) Beidh an Chomhairle ina comhlacht corpraithe le comharbas suthain agus séala oifigiúil agus beidh cumhacht agartha aici agus féadfar í a agairt ina hainm corpraithe agus, le toiliú an Aire, beidh cumhacht aici talamh nó leas i dtalamh a fháil, a shealbhú agus a dhiúscairt agus aon mhaoin eile a fháil, a shealbhú agus a dhiúscairt.
(3) Measfar gur dámhachtain a rinne an Chomhairle aon dámhachtain ardoideachais agus oiliúna ó Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, ó Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Gairmoideachais, ón bhForas, ón mBord Náisiúnta Deimhniúcháin Turasóireachta nó ó Theagasc a rinneadh roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo.
(4) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, go ceann tréimhse cúig bliana ó thosach feidhme na Coda seo, dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint i gcás gur deimhin léi—
(a) go raibh, roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo, nó
(b) go mbeadh, murach tosach feidhme na Coda seo,
an clár oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann bailíochtaithe ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Gairmoideachais, ag an bhForas, ag an mBord Náisiúnta Deimhniúcháin Turasóireachta nó ag Teagasc chun dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint.
Comhaltas na Comhairle.
22.—(1) 15 chomhalta a bheidh ar an gComhairle.
(2) Is iad seo a leanas comhaltaí na Comhairle—
(a) cathaoirleach na Comhairle,
(b) príomhfheidhmeannach na Comhairle,
(c) príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna,
(d) beirt a bheidh ainmnithe ag an Aire, ar duine atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach do sholáthraithe oideachais agus oiliúna, seachas forais aitheanta, duine amháin acu,
(e) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag an Aire Fiontar, Tradála agus Fostaíochta,
(f) triúr a bheidh ainmnithe ag forais aitheanta,
(g) duine amháin atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach d'fhoghlaimeoirí i bhforais aitheanta,
(h) duine amháin atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach d'fhostaithe de chuid foras aitheanta,
(i) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Cónaidhm Ghnó agus Fostóirí na hÉireann,
(j) duine amháin a bheidh ainmnithe ag Comhar Ceardchumann na hÉireann, agus
(k) beirt a ainmneofar de réir fho-alt (3).
(3) Faoi réir fho-alt (1), déanfaidh an Chomhairle beirt ag a bhfuil eolas agus taithí speisialta a bhaineann le feidhmeanna na Comhairle a ainmniú ina gcomhaltaí, agus is duine ag a bhfuil taithí idirnáisiúnta iomchuí a bhaineann leis na feidhmeanna sin a bheidh i nduine amháin ar a laghad acu sin.
(4) Beidh feidhm ag an gCéad Sceideal maidir leis an gComhairle.
(5) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun críocha ainmniúchán a bheidh le déanamh faoi fho-alt (2) nó (3).
(6) I gcás go ndéanfar ainmniúchán faoi fho-alt (2) nó (3), tabharfar aird ar a inmhianaithe atá sé cothromaíocht chuí inscne a bheith ann agus i gcás níos mó ná ainmniúchán amháin a bheith ag duine nó ag comhlacht faoin alt seo, ainmneoidh an duine nó an comhlacht duine fireann amháin, ar a laghad, agus duine baineann amháin, ar a laghad.
Feidhmeanna na Comhairle.
23.—(1) Is iad seo a leanas feidhmeanna na Comhairle:
(a) beartais agus critéir a bhunú agus a fhoilsiú, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí léi—
(i) maidir le dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, agus
(ii) maidir le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú,
agus na beartais agus na critéir sin a athbhreithniú uair amháin ar a laghad gach cúig bliana;
(b) caighdeáin eolais, scile nó inniúlachta a chinneadh, ar caighdeáin iad a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoirí—
(i) sula bhféadfaidh an Chomhairle, nó foras aitheanta a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 29, dámhachtain ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, nó
(ii) a iarrfaidh ar an gComhairle aitheantas a thabhairt do dhámhachtain a bheidh déanta ag comhlacht seachas an Chomhairle nó foras aitheanta a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 29;
(c) dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint, ar dámhachtainí iad a bheidh tugtha nó le tabhairt do dhaoine a dhéanfaidh iarratas ar na dámhachtainí sin agus a mbeidh, i dtuairim na Comhairle, an caighdeán arna chinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (b) bainte amach acu;
(d) faireachán agus meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar cháilíocht clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar nó a n-aithnítear dámhachtainí ina leith faoi mhír (c);
(e) a chinntiú go ndéanfaidh—
(i) soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar a gcláir a bhailíochtú faoi alt 25, agus
(ii) forais aitheanta a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chucu faoi alt 29,
nósanna imeachta a bhunú chun foghlaimeoirí a mheasúnú, ar nósanna imeachta iad a bheidh cóir agus i gcomhréir lena chéile agus é mar chuspóir leo caighdeáin arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (b) a chomhlíonadh;
(f) dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna na Comhairle a chur chun cinn;
(g) a éascú don Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus cabhrú leis a fheidhmeanna a chomhall;
(h) dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire nó le haon Aire eile, de réir mar a bheidh, agus comhairle a thabhairt dó nó di, maidir le cibé nithe i ndáil lena feidhmeanna a iarrfaidh an tAire nó aon Aire eile nó is cuí leis an gComhairle, agus eolas a thabhairt don Údarás Cáilíochtaí i dtaobh aon chomhchomhairle agus comhairle den sórt sin, agus
(i) na gníomhartha nó na nithe sin go léir a dhéanamh is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun a feidhmeanna a fheidhmiú.
(2) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, le linn di a feidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh, an méid seo a leanas—
(a) rachaidh sí i gcomhairle, de réir mar is cuí léi, le soláthraithe ardoideachais agus oiliúna nó le daoine nó comhlachtaí eile,
(b) tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, cuirfidh sí í féin ar an eolas i dtaobh cleachtas lasmuigh den Stát maidir le nithe is iomchuí i leith a feidhmeanna,
(c) tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, cuirfidh sí í féin ar an eolas i dtaobh na riachtanas oideachais, oiliúna, scileanna agus cáilíochtaí atá ag an earnáil tionscail, lena n-áirítear talmhaíocht, gnó, turasóireacht, trádáil, na gairmeacha agus an tseirbhís phoiblí, lena n-áirítear an leibhéal eolais, scileanna nó inniúlachta a bheidh le baint amach ag foghlaimeoirí, agus déanfaidh sí cleachtais a fhreastalaíonn do na riachtanais sin a chur chun cinn in ardoideachas agus oiliúint, agus
(d) cinnteoidh sí go ndéanfaidh—
(i) soláthraithe clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar a gcláir a bhailíochtú faoi alt 25, agus
(ii) forais aitheanta a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chucu faoi alt 29,
nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú agus forchéimniú arna gcinneadh ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí faoi alt 8(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh.
(3) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle a iarraidh—
(a) ar sholáthraí clár oideachais agus oiliúna a ndéantar a chláir a bhailíochtú faoi alt 25, nó
(b) ar fhoras aitheanta a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 29,
cabhrú leis an gComhairle teacht ar thuairim i dtaobh an bhfuil an caighdeán arna chinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (b) d'fho-alt (1), arb é an caighdeán é chun dámhachtain ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh nó a aithint faoi mhír (c) den fho-alt sin, bainte amach ag duine.
Forais aitheanta na Comhairle.
24.—(1) Is iad forais aitheanta na Comhairle—
(a) na forais a bunaíodh le halt 3 d'Acht 1992 nó faoin alt sin, agus
(b) aon fhoras eile a ainmnítear mar fhoras aitheanta de chuid na Comhairle faoi fho-alt (2).
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire le hordú, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le forais aitheanta agus faoi réir chomhaontú an fhorais oideachais nó oiliúna lena mbaineann, foras oideachais nó oiliúna a bheidh arna bhunú—
(a) le hAcht den Oireachtas nó faoi, nó
(b) ag Aire nó ag an Rialtas,
a ainmniú mar fhoras aitheanta de chuid na Comhairle.
An Chomhairle do bhailíochtú clár.
25.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (2) agus (3), féadfaidh soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna iarratas a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle go ndéanfaí an clár sin a bhailíochtú.
(2) (a) Faoi réir mhíreanna (b) agus fho-alt (3), déanfaidh forais aitheanta, an Foras, CERT, Teagasc agus an Bord Iascaigh Mhara iarratas chuig an gComhairle faoi fho-alt (1) go ndéanfadh an Chomhairle na cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna go léir a sholáthraíonn siad, a eagraíonn siad nó a thugann siad i gcrích a bhailíochtú.
(b) Ní bheidh feidhm ag mír (a) maidir le clár ardoideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtain a dhéanamh ina leith tarmligthe chuig foras aitheanta faoi alt 29.
(c) Más rud é go mbeidh foras aitheanta tar éis comhshocraíochtaí a dhéanamh faoi alt 5(1)(b) d'Acht 1992, ní bheidh feidhm ag mír (a), ach sin faoi réir chomhaontú na Comhairle agus an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, maidir le clár ardoideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an foras aitheanta sin go ceann cibé tréimhse, nach faide ná cúig bliana ó thosach feidhme na Coda seo, a chinnfidh an Chomhairle le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfaidh soláthraí (“an chéad soláthraí a luaitear”) clár ardoideachais agus oiliúna a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, agus gur soláthraí eile (“an dara soláthraí a luaitear”) a dhéanfaidh an clár sin a sholáthar, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, rachaidh an chéad soláthraí a luaitear i gcomhairle leis an dara soláthraí a luaitear sula ndéanfaidh sé iarratas ar bhailíochtú faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2).
(4) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, ar iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2) a fháil—
(a) clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú, faoi réir cibé coinníollacha is cuí léi, i gcás gur deimhin léi go bhfreagraíonn an clár lena mbaineann do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a)(ii) d'alt 23(1), nó
(b) bailíochtú a dhiúltú.
(5) Maidir leis na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (4)(a), áireofar orthu, ach ní gá gurb é amháin a bheidh i gceist iontu, coinníollacha a cheanglóidh ar an soláthraí lena mbaineann—
(a) comhoibriú agus cabhrú leis an gComhairle, agus leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcás gur cuí sin, le linn dóibh a bhfeidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh,
(b) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 23(1)(e) a bhunú,
(c) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 23(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh, agus
(d) cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham d'fhonn feidhmeanna na Comhairle a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear faisnéis maidir le rátaí críochnúcháin, a sholáthar.
Bailíochtú a tharraingt siar.
26.—(1) Féadfaidh an Chomhairle, aon tráth, athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar chlár oideachais agus oiliúna arna bhailíochtú faoi alt 25.
(2) Tar éis athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1), i gcás gurb é tuairim na Comhairle—
(a) maidir le clár oideachais agus oiliúna arna bhailíochtú faoi alt 25, nach bhfreagraíonn sé a thuilleadh do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a)(ii) d'alt 23(1), nó
(b) nach bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a) d'alt 25(4) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) go bhfuil forais réasúnacha eile ann chun a bailíochtú a tharraingt siar,
déanfaidh an Chomhairle, le fógra i scríbhinn, a tuairim agus na fáthanna atá leis an tuairim sin a chur in iúl do sholáthraí an chláir lena mbaineann agus déarfar san fhógra go bhféadfaidh an soláthraí uiríll a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle i ndáil leis an tuairim sin tráth nach déanaí ná mí amháin tar éis don soláthraí an fógra a fháil.
(3) Más rud é, tar éis mí amháin a bheith caite ó sheirbheáil an fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) agus tar éis aon uiríll a bheidh déanta chuig an gComhairle a bhreithniú, gurb é sin tuairim na Comhairle i gcónaí, féadfaidh sí a bailíochtú i leith an chláir lena mbaineann a tharraingt siar, le fógra i scríbhinn a bheidh dírithe chuig an soláthraí, ó cibé dáta is cuí léi agus ag féachaint do leasanna na bhfoghlaimeoirí lena mbaineann agus go dtí gur deimhin léi—
(a) go bhfreagraíonn an clár lena mbaineann do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a)(ii) d'alt 23(1), nó
(b) go bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi mhír (a) d'alt 25(4) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) nach ann a thuilleadh do na forais, dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(c), chun bailíochtú a tharraingt siar,
cibé acu is cuí.
Achomhairc chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcoinne bailíochtú a dhiúltú nó a tharraingt siar.
27.—(1) I gcás go ndiúltóidh an Chomhairle clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú faoi alt 25 nó go dtarraingeoidh sí siar a bailíochtú i leith cláir faoi alt 26, féadfaidh soláthraí an chláir lena mbaineann achomharc a dhéanamh i gcoinne an diúltaithe sin nó na tarraingthe siar sin chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an gComhairle—
(a) cinneadh na Comhairle a dhaingniú, nó
(b) cinneadh na Comhairle a neamhniú agus a chinneadh féin a chur in ionad chinneadh na Comhairle.
(2) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle de réir cinnidh a dhéanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí faoi fho-alt (1)(b).
Dearbhú cáilíochta.
28.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (6), a luaithe is indéanta tar éis thosach feidhme na Coda seo agus cibé tráthanna eile is cuí leis an gComhairle tar éis di dul i gcomhairle leis an soláthraí lena mbaineann, déanfaidh—
(a) soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil an Chomhairle tar éis a chlár a bhailíochtú faoi alt 25, nó
(b) foras aitheanta a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh i leith cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 29,
ag féachaint do nósanna imeachta láithreacha, más ann, nósanna imeachta a bhunú le haghaidh dearbhú cáilíochta chun cáilíocht an oideachais agus na hoiliúna a ndéanann an soláthraí sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích mar chuid den chlár lena mbaineann a fheabhsú tuilleadh agus a chothabháil agus comhaontóidh sé na nósanna imeachta sin leis an gComhairle.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), áireofar ar na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoin bhfo-alt sin—
(a) meastóireacht a dhéanamh go tráthrialta, agus de réir mar a ordóidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham, ar an gclár oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann, lena n-áirítear meastóireacht ag daoine atá inniúil ar chomparáidí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a dhéanamh ina leith sin,
(b) foghlaimeoirí do dhéanamh meastóireachta ar an gclár sin, agus
(c) meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar sheirbhísí a bhaineann leis an gclár sin,
agus déanfar foráil leo maidir le fionnachtana a éireoidh as cur chun feidhme na nósanna imeachta sin a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an gComhairle.
(3) Breithneoidh an Chomhairle na fionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) a chur chun feidhme agus féadfaidh sí moltaí a chur faoi bhráid sholáthraí an chláir lena mbaineann agus cuirfidh an soláthraí sin na moltaí sin i ngníomh.
(4) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, ó am go ham agus de réir mar a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, athbhreithniú, i gcomhairle le soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna, ar éifeachtacht na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) agus ar chur i ngníomh, ag an soláthraí lena mbaineann, na bhfionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta sin a chur chun feidhme.
(5) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, maidir le torthaí aon athbhreithnithe faoi fho-alt (4)—
(a) tuarascáil a thabhairt don Údarás Cáilíochtaí ina dtaobh, agus
(b) iad a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí,
agus cuirfidh sí tuairimí, más ann, ó sholáthraí an chláir lena mbaineann san áireamh i dtuarascáil nó i bhfoilseachán.
(6) I gcás go ndéanfaidh soláthraí (“an chéad soláthraí a luaitear”) clár ardoideachais agus oiliúna a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, agus gur soláthraí eile (“an dara soláthraí a luaitear”) a dhéanfaidh an clár sin a sholáthar, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, déanfaidh an chéad soláthraí a luaitear, i dteannta na gceanglas a shonraítear i bhfo-alt (1), a mhéid a bhaineann na nósanna imeachta atá le bunú faoin bhfo-alt sin leis an gcuid sin den chlár a sholáthraíonn an dara soláthraí a luaitear, na nósanna imeachta sin a chomhaontú leis an dara soláthraí a luaitear.
Caibidil II
Údarás a Tharmligean
Údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh a tharmligean.
29.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), féadfaidh foras aitheanta a iarraidh ar an gComhairle an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh a tharmligean chuige.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfaidh foras aitheanta clár ardoideachais agus oiliúna a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, agus gur soláthraí ar bith eile a dhéanfaidh an clár sin a sholáthar, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, rachaidh an foras aitheanta i gcomhairle leis an soláthraí eile sin sula ndéanfaidh sé iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1) go ndéanfaí údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh i leith an chláir sin a tharmligean chuige.
(3) Ar iarraidh faoi fho-alt (1) a fháil, cinnfidh agus foilseoidh an Chomhairle, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí léi, critéir chun críocha an ailt seo agus déanfaidh sí athbhreithniú, de réir fho-alt (4)—
(a) ar oibriú agus bainistiú an fhorais aitheanta lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an foras aitheanta sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(b) ar na cláir sin.
(4) Le linn di athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (3), déanfaidh an Chomhairle na nósanna imeachta arna gcomhaontú ó am go ham leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí a chur i ngníomh agus áireofar ar na nósanna imeachta sin—
(a) meastóireacht ag an bhforas aitheanta—
(i) ar oibriú agus bainistiú an fhorais aitheanta lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an foras sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(ii) ar na cláir sin,
(b) i gcás go mbeidh an Chomhairle, le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, sásta le toradh na meastóireachta dá dtagraítear i mír (a), meastóireacht ina dhiaidh sin ag cibé daoine, ag a bhfuil eolas agus taithí áirithe a bhaineann le hardoideachas agus oiliúint, is cuí leis an gComhairle, lena n-áirítear daoine a bhfuil táithí idirnáisiúnta iomchuí acu, agus
(c) tuarascáil i dtaobh fhionnachtana na meastóireachtaí sin a fhoilsiú, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an gComhairle.
(5) I gcás gur deimhin leis an gComhairle, le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, tar éis athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (3)—
(a) go bhfreagraíonn oibriú agus bainistiú forais aitheanta i ndáil le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an foras aitheanta iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(b) go bhfreagraíonn na cláir sin,
do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle, chun críocha an ailt seo, le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí, ansin féadfaidh an Chomhairle an t-údarás chun cibé damhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna, a shonróidh an Chomhairle le fógra i scríbhinn chuig an bhforas aitheanta lena mbaineann agus chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, a dhéanamh, faoi réir cibé coinníollacha is cuí léi, a tharmligean chuig an bhforas aitheanta sin.
(6) Maidir leis na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5), áireofar orthu, ach ní gá gurb é amháin a bheidh i gceist iontu, coinníollacha a cheanglaíonn ar an bhforas aitheanta lena mbaineann—
(a) comhoibriú agus cabhrú leis an gComhairle, agus leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcás gur cuí sin, le linn dóibh a bhfeidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh,
(b) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 23(1)(e) a bhunú,
(c) na nósanna imeachta dá dtagraítear in alt 23(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh, agus
(d) cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an Chomhairle d'fhonn feidhmeanna na Comhairle a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear faisnéis maidir le rátaí críochnúcháin, a sholáthar.
(7) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle, d'fhonn na coinníollacha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5) a chinneadh, aird a thabhairt, go háirithe, ar chláir, más ann, dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2).
(8) Aon athbhreithniú a bheidh, tráth thosach feidhme na Coda seo, seolta nó á sheoladh ar ordachán ón Aire i ndáil le húdarás chun dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh a tharmligean chuig foras a bheidh bunaithe le halt 3 d'Acht 1992 nó faoin alt sin, ar foras é a thiocfaidh chun bheith ina fhoras aitheanta tar éis an tosach feidhme sin, is athbhreithniú chun críocha an ailt seo a bheidh ann i gcás go gcinnfidh an tAire amhlaidh agus déanfaidh an tAire aon chinneadh den sórt sin a chur in iúl, le fógra i scríbhinn, don Chomhairle agus féadfaidh sé nó sí cibé ordacháin is cuí leis nó léi a thabhairt don Chomhairle agus don Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
Údarás tarmligthe a athbhreithniú agus a tharraingt siar.
30.—(1) Déanfaidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham de réir mar is cuí léi agus in aon chás uair amháin ar a laghad gach cúig bliana, nó de réir mar a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, athbhreithniú ar cibé modh is cuí léi—
(a) ar oibriú agus bainistiú forais aitheanta, a bhfuil údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh tarmligthe chuige faoi alt 29, i ndáil le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an foras sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, agus
(b) ar na cláir sin.
(2) I gcás gurb é tuairim na Comhairle, tar éis di athbhreithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) (i) nach bhfreagraíonn oibriú nó bainistiú an fhorais aitheanta lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an foras aitheanta sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, nó
(ii) nach bhfreagraíonn na cláir sin,
do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi alt 29(5), nó
(b) nach bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi alt 29(5) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) go bhfuil forais réasúnacha eile ann chun go dtarraingeofaí siar an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh atá tarmligthe chuig an bhforas aitheanta sin faoi alt 29,
déanfaidh sí, le fógra i scríbhinn, a tuairim agus na fáthanna atá leis an tuairim sin a chur in iúl don fhoras aitheanta lena mbaineann agus déarfar san fhógra go bhféadfaidh an foras aitheanta uiríll a dhéanamh chuig an gComhairle i ndáil leis an tarraingt siar sin tráth nach déanaí ná trí mhí tar éis don fhoras an fógra a fháil.
(3) Más rud é, tar éis trí mhí a bheith caite ó sheirbheáil an fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) agus tar éis aon uiríll a bheidh déanta chuig an gComhairle a bhreithniú, gurb é sin tuairim na Comhairle i gcónaí, féadfaidh sí an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh, atá tarmligthe chuig an bhforas aitheanta sin faoi alt 29, a tharraingt siar, le fógra i scríbhinn a bheidh dírithe chuig an bhforas aitheanta sin, ó cibé dáta is cuí léi agus go dtí gur deimhin léi—
(a) (i) go bhfreagraíonn oibriú agus bainistiú an fhorais aitheanta lena mbaineann i ndáil le cláir ardoideachais agus oiliúna a ndéanann an foras aitheanta sin iad a sholáthar, a eagrú nó a thabhairt i gcrích, nó
(ii) go bhfreagraíonn na cláir sin, do na critéir arna gcinneadh ag an gComhairle faoi alt 29(5), nó
(b) go bhfuil na coinníollacha a bheidh sonraithe ag an gComhairle faoi alt 29(5) á gcomhlíonadh, nó
(c) nach ann a thuilleadh do na forais, dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(c), chun go dtarraingeofaí siar an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh,
cibé acu is cuí.
(4) Déanfar athbhreithniú faoi fho-alt (1) de réir cibé nósanna imeachta a chinnfidh an Chomhairle ó am go ham le comhaontú an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí agus déanfar foráil leis na nósanna imeachta sin maidir le hachomharc chuig an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i gcoinne cinnidh go dtarraingeofaí siar an t-údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh, atá tarmligthe faoi alt 29.
Caibidil III
Cairteacha
Cairteacha.
31.—(1) Aon fhoras aitheanta a ndéanfar údarás chun dámhachtainí a dhéanamh a tharmligean chuige faoi alt 29, beidh cairt aige nach mbeidh ar neamhréir leis an Acht seo nó le hAchtanna na gColáistí Teicniúla Réigiúnacha, 1992 agus 1994.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire, ó am go ham, rialacháin a dhéanamh chun na nithe a bheidh le cur san áireamh ag foras aitheanta i gcairt dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a shonrú agus, gan dochar do ghinearáltacht an méid sin roimhe seo, féadfar a áireamh ar na nithe sin, ach ní gá gurb é amháin a bheidh i gceist iontu, gach ceann nó aon cheann acu seo a leanas:
(a) socruithe an fhorais maidir le comhchomhairle agus comhoibriú leis an bpobal sa réigiún dá bhfónann an foras sin, lena n-áirítear leasanna tráchtála agus tionscail sa phobal sin;
(b) critéir an fhorais chun an leibhéal éilimh ar chláir áirithe oideachais agus oiliúna, agus leibhéil na gclár sin, a chinneadh;
(c) beartas an fhorais maidir le hoideachas aosach agus leanúnach agus na socruithe a bheidh bunaithe chun oideachas den sórt sin a sholáthar, lena n-áirítear cláir pháirtaimseartha agus cláir thráthnóna;
(d) socruithe an fhorais chun nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú agus forchéimniú arna gcinneadh ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí faoi alt 8(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh;
(e) socruithe an fhorais maidir le cur chun cinn agus úsáid na Gaeilge agus maidir le cultúir shainiúla na hÉireann a chur chun cinn;
(f) nósanna imeachta an fhorais i ndáil lena chláir oideachais agus oiliúna a dhearbhú ó thaobh cáilíochta de; agus
(g) aon nithe eile is cuí leis an Aire chun críocha cairte.
(3) Aon rialacháin a dhéanfar faoin alt seo, féadfaidh cibé forálacha teagmhasacha, forlíontacha agus iarmhartacha a bheith iontu a fheicfear don Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun críocha na rialachán sin.
(4) Le linn dó cairt a ullmhú, déanfaidh comhlacht ceannais forais aitheanta an méid seo a leanas—
(a) rachaidh sé i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus leis an gComhairle, ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus leis an gComhairle,
(b) rachaidh sé i gcomhairle, ar cibé modh is cuí leis an gcomhlacht ceannais, le comhairle acadúil, le foireann acadúil agus le fostaithe eile an fhorais aitheanta, le haon cheardchumann aitheanta nó aon chomhlachas foirne aitheanta, agus le haon aontas aitheanta mac léinn nó aon chomhlacht ionadaitheach mac léinn eile, agus
(c) féadfaidh sé dul i gcomhairle le haon duine eile nó le haon ghrúpa eile, lastigh agus lasmuigh den fhoras aitheanta, is cuí leis an gcomhlacht ceannais.
(5) Déanfaidh comhlacht ceannais an fhorais aitheanta lena mbaineann dréacht de chairt a bheidh beartaithe faoin alt seo a chur faoi bhráid an Aire maille le hiarraidh go n-aithneofaí an chairt bheartaithe, agus féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, an chairt arna dréachtú amhlaidh a aithint más rud é gur deimhin leis nó léi nach bhfuil sí ar neamhréir leis an Acht seo nó le hAchtanna na gColáistí Teicniúla Réigiúnacha, 1992 agus 1994.
(6) Aon ordú a dhéanfar faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin ordú.
(7) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an bhforas aitheanta, ordú a bheidh déanta faoin alt seo, lena n-áirítear ordú a bheidh déanta faoin bhfo-alt seo, a leasú nó a chúlghairm.
Caibidil IV
Leasú ar Acht 1992
Leasú ar Acht 1992.
32.—Leasaítear leis seo Acht 1992—
(a) in alt 3, tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) Faoi réir alt 3A (arna chur isteach le hAcht na gCáilíochtaí (Oideachas agus Oiliúint), 1999), féadfaidh an Rialtas foráil a dhéanamh, le hordú, go mbeidh feidhm ag an Acht seo maidir le haon fhoras oideachais eile agus féadfaidh sé an Chéad Sceideal sin a leasú trí ainm an fhorais agus aon sonraí eile a bhaineann leis an Sceideal a chur isteach i gcolún (1) den Sceideal sin agus, ar thosach feidhme an ordaithe, beidh an foras arna bhunú mar choláiste a bhfuil feidhm ag an Acht seo maidir leis agus, faoi réir fho-alt (4), leanfaidh an t-ainm sin de bheith ar an gcoláiste agus leanfar den ainm sin a thabhairt air.”,
(b) tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 3:
“Coiste a cheapadh chun comhairle a thabhairt don Údarás. | 3A. (1) Sula ndéanfaidh sé ordú faoi alt 3(2) (arna leasú le hAcht na gCáilíochtaí (Oideachas agus Oiliúint), 1999) chun foras oideachais a bhunú mar choláiste faoin alt sin, ceapfaidh an Rialtas coiste chun breithniú a dhéanamh i dtaobh an mbunófar foras oideachais faoin alt sin agus chun comhairle a thabhairt don Údarás ina leith sin. (2) Is é an tÚdarás, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le hÚdarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann agus le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, a mholfaidh comhaltas coiste a cheapfar faoi fho-alt (1) agus áireofar ar an gcomhaltas sin daoine ag a bhfuil eolas agus taithí speisialta ar oideachas sa Stát agus lasmuigh den Stát. (3) Le linn do choiste a cheapfar faoi fho-alt (1) breithniú a dhéanamh i dtaobh an mbunófar foras oideachais mar choláiste faoi alt 3(2), déanfaidh sé— (a) an soláthar ardoideachais agus oiliúna sa réigiún a bhfuil an foras lena mbaineann le fónamh dó, agus sa Stát i gcoitinne, a scrúdú, (b) i gcás gurb é tuairim an choiste gur gá tuilleadh ardoideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthar, roghanna eile a bhreithniú chun an soláthar sin a bhaint amach seachas trí fhoras oideachais a bhunú mar choláiste, agus (c) dul i gcomhairle le cibé comhlachtaí agus daoine is cuí leis, lena n-áirítear aon fhoras eile a sholáthraíonn ardoideachas agus oiliúint sa réigiún lena mbaineann agus an coiste gairmoideachais ar ina limistéar feidhme atá an foras sin suite. (4) Faoi réir fho-alt (5), féadfaidh an Rialtas, ar chomhairle ó choiste a bheidh ceaptha faoi fho-alt (1) agus ar mholadh ón Údarás, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le hÚdarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann agus le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, ordú a dhéanamh faoi alt 3(2). (5) Ní dhéanfaidh an Rialtas ordú faoi alt 3(2) mura mbeidh curtha faoi deara aige ar dtús dréacht den ordú beartaithe a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas agus mura mbeidh rún ag ceadú an dréachta rite ag an dá Theach.”, |
agus
(c) in alt 5, trí na míreanna seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (b) d'fho-alt (1)—
“(b) (i) comhshocraíochtaí a dhéanamh le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, nó le haon údarás eile arna cheadú ag Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, ó am go ham, chun dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, agus
(ii) cibé comhshocraíochtaí eile a dhéanamh a cheadóidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, ó am go ham, chun na críche sin agus, faoi réir ailt 29 agus 30 d'Acht na gCáilíochtaí (Oideachas agus Oiliúint), 1999, dámhachtainí ardoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, de réir mar is cuí;
“(bb) (i) comhshocraíochtaí a dhéanamh le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó le haon údarás eile arna cheadú ag Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, ó am go ham, chun dámhachtainí breisoideachais agus oiliúna a dhéanamh, agus
(ii) cibé comhshocraíochtaí eile a dhéanamh a cheadóidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Údarás Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí na hÉireann, ó am go ham, chun na críche sin;”.
Caibidil V
Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais a dhíscaoileadh, etc.
Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais a dhíscaoileadh.
33.—(1) Díscaoiltear leis seo Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (3), aon tagairtí do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais in achtachán (seachas an tAcht seo) nó in ionstraim a dhéanfar faoin gcéanna nó i meabhrán comhlachais nó in airteagail chomhlachais aon chuideachta (de réir bhrí Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990) nó in aon doiciméad dlíthiúil eile, forléireofar iad, ar thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo agus dá éis, mar thagairtí don Chomhairle.
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (2) maidir le tagairtí do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais i rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 1(1) d'Acht an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas, 1971.
Imeachtaí dlí atá ar feitheamh.
34.—Más rud é, díreach roimh thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo, go mbeidh aon imeachtaí dlí ar feitheamh in aon chúirt nó binse agus gur páirtí sna himeachtaí Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó aon iontaobhaí nó gníomhaire dá cuid a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a ceann, déanfar ainm na Comhairle a chur in ionad ainm Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó, de réir mar a bheidh, in ionad ainm an iontaobhaí sin nó an ghníomhaire sin den Chomhairle sin, nó a chur isteach sna himeachtaí sin de réir mar is cuí, agus ní rachaidh na himeachtaí sin ar ceal mar gheall ar an gcur in ionad.
Sócmhainní agus dliteanais a aistriú chuig an gComhairle.
35.—(1) Déanfar na nithe seo a leanas a aistriú, agus aistrítear leis seo iad, chuig an gComhairle—
(a) an mhaoin go léir agus na cearta go léir a bhaineann leis an maoin sin a bheidh, díreach roimh thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo, ar seilbh nó ar teachtadh ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó ag aon iontaobhaí nó gníomhaire dá cuid a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a ceann,
(b) na dliteanais go léir a bheidh tabhaithe roimh an tosach feidhme sin ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó ag aon iontaobhaí nó gníomhaire dá cuid a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a ceann ar dliteanais iad nach mbeidh urscaoilte roimh an tosach feidhme sin,
agus, dá réir sin, gan tíolacadh, aistriú ná sannadh ar bith eile—
(i) dílseoidh an mhaoin sin, réadach agus pearsanta, ar an tosach feidhme sin, don Chomhairle ar feadh an eastáit, an téarma nó an leasa go léir dá raibh sí, díreach roimh an tosach feidhme sin, dílsithe do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais ach sin faoi réir na n-iontaobhas agus na gcothromas go léir a dhéanann difear don mhaoin agus atá inchomhlíonta,
(ii) beidh na cearta sin, amhail ar an agus ón tosach feidhme sin, ar teachtadh ag an gComhairle, agus
(iii) beidh na dliteanais sin, amhail ar an agus ón tosach feidhme sin, ina ndliteanais de chuid na Comhairle.
(2) Déanfar an t-airgead, na stoic, na scaireanna agus na hurrúis go léir a aistrítear chuig an gComhairle leis an alt seo agus a bheidh, ar thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo, in ainm Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó in ainm aon iontaobhaí nó gníomhaire dá cuid, ar an gComhairle é a iarraidh, a aistriú isteach ina hainm.
(3) Gach ceart agus dliteanas a aistrítear chuig an gComhairle leis an alt seo, féadfaidh an Chomhairle, ar thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo nó dá éis, agra a dhéanamh ina leith, é a ghnóthú nó é a chur i bhfeidhm, nó féadfar agra a dhéanamh ina leith, é a ghnóthú nó é a chur i bhfeidhm i gcoinne na Comhairle, ina hainm féin agus ní gá don Chomhairle fógra faoin aistriú a thabhairt don duine a n-aistrítear a cheart nó a ceart nó a dhliteanas nó a dliteanas leis an alt seo.
Conarthaí leanúnacha áirithe a choimeád ar marthain agus tagairtí a oiriúnú.
36.—Gach banna, ráthaíocht nó urrús eile de chineál leanúnach a bheidh déanta nó tugtha ag Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó thar a ceann d'aon duine nó a bheidh tugtha ag aon duine do Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais agus a nglacfaidh Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais leis nó léi nó a nglacfar leis nó léi thar a ceann agus gach conradh nó comhaontú a dhéanfar idir Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, nó aon iontaobhaí nó gníomhaire dá cuid a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a ceann, agus aon duine eile agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm ach nach mbeidh forghníomhaithe agus críochnaithe go hiomlán díreach roimh thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo, leanfaidh sé nó sí de bheith i bhfeidhm ar an tosach feidhme sin agus dá éis agus forléireofar é nó í agus beidh éifeacht leis nó léi amhail is dá gcuirfí ainm na Comhairle sa chéanna in ionad ainm Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais nó, de réir mar is cuí, in ionad ainm aon iontaobhaí nó aon ghníomhaire dá cuid a bheidh ag gníomhú thar a ceann, agus beidh sé nó sí infhorfheidhmithe ag an gComhairle nó ina coinne.
An tAcht um Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, 1979, a aisghairm.
37.—Aisghairtear leis seo an tAcht um Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, 1979.
CUID V
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath
Ról na hInstitiúide.
38.—(1) Sa Chuid seo ciallaíonn “an Institiúid” Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath a bunaíodh faoi alt 3 den Acht um Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, 1992.
(2) Déanfaidh an Institiúid—
(a) a éascú don Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus cabhrú leis a fheidhmeanna a chomhall;
(b) nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú agus forchéimniú arna gcinneadh ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí faoi alt 8(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh a mhéid atá feidhm ag na nósanna imeachta sin maidir leis an Institiúid, agus
(c) cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham d'fhonn feidhmeanna an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear faisnéis maidir le rátaí críochnúcháin, a sholáthar.
(3) Féadfaidh an Institiúid iarratas a dhéanamh chuig Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó chuig Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna go ndéanfadh ceachtar de na Comhairlí sin, de réir mar is cuí, cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn sí, a eagraíonn sí nó a thugann sí i gcrích a bhailíochtú.
Dearbhú cáilíochta.
39.—(1) Déanfaidh an Institiúid, a luaithe is indéanta tar éis thosach feidhme na Coda seo, ag féachaint do nósanna imeachta láithreacha, más ann, nósanna imeachta a bhunú le haghaidh dearbhú cáilíochta chun cáilíocht an oideachais agus na hoiliúna a sholáthraíonn an Institiúid a fheabhsú tuilleadh agus a chothabháil agus comhaontóidh sí na nósanna imeachta sin leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), áireofar ar na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoin bhfo-alt sin—
(a) meastóireacht a dhéanamh go tráthrialta, agus de réir mar a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, ar na cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an Institiúid, lena n-áirítear meastóireachtaí ag daoine atá inniúil ar chomparáidí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a dhéanamh ina leith sin,
(b) foghlaimeoirí do dhéanamh meastóireachta ar chláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an Institiúid, agus
(c) meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar sheirbhísí a bhaineann leis na cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an Institiúid,
agus déanfar foráil leo maidir le fionnachtana a éireoidh as cur chun feidhme na nósanna imeachta sin a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(3) Breithneoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí na fionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) a chur chun feidhme agus féadfaidh sé moltaí a chur faoi bhráid na hInstitiúide agus cuirfidh an Institiúid na moltaí sin i ngníomh.
(4) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, laistigh de chúig bliana ó thosach feidhme na Coda seo, agus ó am go ham dá éis sin de réir mar a chinnfidh sé ach in aon chás uair amháin ar a mhéad gach trí bliana agus uair amháin ar a laghad gach seacht mbliana, athbhreithniú, i gcomhairle leis an Institiúid, ar éifeachtacht na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) agus ar chur i ngníomh, ag an Institiúid, na bhfionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta sin a chur chun feidhme.
(5) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí torthaí aon athbhreithnithe faoi fho-alt (4) a fhoilsiú, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis, agus cuirfidh sé tuairimí, más ann, ón Institiúid san áireamh san fhoilseachán.
CUID VI
Ollscoileanna
Caibidil I
Ról na nOllscoileanna
Ról na n-ollscoileanna.
40.—(1) Gan dochar do chuspóirí agus feidhmeanna ollscoile faoi Acht 1997, comhoibreoidh ollscoil leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus tabharfaidh sí gach cúnamh réasúnach dó le linn dó a fheidhmeanna a chomhall.
(2) Féadfaidh ollscoil comhairle a thabhairt don Údarás Cáilíochtaí i dtaobh fheidhmiú a fheidhmeanna faoi alt 8, a mhéid a bhaineann na feidhmeanna sin leis an ollscoil.
(3) Soláthróidh ollscoil cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham d'fhonn feidhmeanna an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí a chomhlíonadh.
(4) Féadfaidh ollscoil iarratas a dhéanamh chuig Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó chuig Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna go ndéanfadh ceachtar de na Comhairlí sin, de réir mar is cuí, cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn sí, a eagraíonn sí nó a thugann sí i gcrích a bhailíochtú.
(5) Le linn dó a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh faoi ailt 35 agus 49(b) d'Acht 1997, rachaidh an tÚdarás i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
Caibidil II
Ollscoileanna arna mbunú faoi alt 9 d'Acht 1997
Ollscoileanna arna mbunú faoi alt 9 d'Acht 1997.
41.—(1) Ní bheidh feidhm ag an gCaibidil seo ach maidir le hollscoileanna arna mbunú faoi alt 9 d'Acht 1997 (dá ngairtear “ollscoil iomchuí” sa Chaibidil seo).
(2) Maidir le hollscoil iomchuí—
(a) comhoibreoidh sí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí agus tabharfaidh sí gach cúnamh réasúnach dó le linn dó a fheidhmeanna a chomhall,
(b) déanfaidh sí nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú agus forchéimniú arna gcinneadh ag an Údarás Cáilíochtaí faoi alt 8(2)(d) a chur i ngníomh a mhéid atá feidhm ag na nósanna imeachta sin maidir leis an ollscoil iomchuí lena mbaineann, agus
(c) soláthróidh sí cibé faisnéis a éileoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham d'fhonn feidhmeanna an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí a chomhlíonadh, lena n-áirítear faisnéis maidir le rátaí críochnúcháin.
(3) I gcás go gceadóidh údarás ceannais ollscoile iomchuí plean forbartha straitéisí faoi alt 34 d'Acht 1997—
(a) cinnteoidh sé go soláthróidh an plean na meáin trína gcomhlíonfaidh an ollscoil sin a feidhmeanna faoin Acht seo, agus
(b) soláthróidh sé cóip den phlean sin don Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(4) I gcás go n-ullmhóidh príomhoifigeach ollscoile iomchuí tuarascáil i dtaobh oibríochtaí agus fheidhmíocht na hollscoile sin faoi alt 41 d'Acht 1997, tabharfaidh sé nó sí aird ar an gcuid nó ar na codanna den phlean forbartha straitéisí faoi alt 34 den Acht sin a bhaineann le comhlíonadh fheidhmeanna na hollscoile iomchuí lena mbaineann faoin Acht seo.
(5) I gcás go ndéanfaidh an tÚdarás athbhreithniú, faoi alt 49(a) d'Acht 1997, ar phlean forbartha straitéisí a bheidh ullmhaithe ag ollscoil iomchuí de réir alt 34 den Acht sin, rachaidh sé i gcomhairle leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí i dtaobh na meán trína gcomhlíonfaidh an ollscoil iomchuí lena mbaineann a feidhmeanna faoin Acht seo.
(6) Le linn dó a chinneadh cé mhéad airgid a bheidh le leithroinnt ar ollscoil iomchuí as airgead a sholáthraítear don Údarás de bhun alt 12 d'Acht an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas, 1971, agus alt 37(2) d'Acht 1997, don bhliain airgeadais, cinnteoidh an tÚdarás go mbeidh raon agus leibhéil na gclár oideachais agus oiliúna san ollscoil sin agus líon na bhfoghlaimeoirí a ghlacann páirt sna cláir sin de réir cibé beartas a chinnfidh an tAire ó am go ham, agus féadfaidh an tÚdarás ordacháin a thabhairt d'ollscoil iomchuí chun na gcríoch sin.
(7) Gníomhóidh ollscoil iomchuí de réir cibé ordachán a thabharfaidh an tÚdarás don ollscoil sin ó am go ham faoi fho-alt (6).
(8) Féadfaidh ollscoil iomchuí iarratas a dhéanamh chuig Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó chuig Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna go ndéanfadh ceachtar de na Comhairlí sin, de réir mar is cuí, cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn sí, a eagraíonn sí nó a thugann sí i gcrích a bhailíochtú.
Dearbhú cáilíochta.
42.—(1) Déanfaidh ollscoil iomchuí, a luaithe is indéanta tar éis thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo, ag féachaint do nósanna imeachta láithreacha, más ann, nósanna imeachta a bhunú le haghaidh dearbhú cáilíochta chun cáilíocht an oideachais agus na hoiliúna a sholáthraíonn an ollscoil iomchuí lena mbaineann a fheabhsú tuilleadh agus a chothabháil agus comhaontóidh sí na nósanna imeachta sin leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), áireofar ar na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoin bhfo-alt sin—
(a) meastóireacht a dhéanamh go tráthrialta, agus de réir mar a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, ar na cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an ollscoil iomchuí lena mbaineann, lena n-áirítear meastóireachtaí ag daoine atá inniúil ar chomparáidí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a dhéanamh ina leith sin,
(b) foghlaimeoirí do dhéanamh meastóireachta ar chláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an ollscoil sin, agus
(c) meastóireacht a dhéanamh ar sheirbhísí a bhaineann leis na cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthraíonn an ollscoil sin,
agus déanfar foráil leo maidir le fionnachtana a éireoidh as cur chun feidhme na nósanna imeachta sin a fhoilsiú i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(3) Breithneoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí na fionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) a chur chun feidhme agus féadfaidh sé moltaí a chur faoi bhráid na hollscoile iomchuí agus cuirfidh an ollscoil sin na moltaí sin i ngníomh.
(4) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, laistigh de chúig bliana ó thosach feidhme na Caibidle seo, agus ó am go ham dá éis sin de réir mar a chinnfidh sé ach in aon chás uair amháin ar a mhéad gach trí bliana agus uair amháin ar a laghad gach seacht mbliana, athbhreithniú, i gcomhairle leis an ollscoil iomchuí lena mbaineann, ar éifeachtacht na nósanna imeachta a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (1) agus ar chur i ngníomh, ag an ollscoil sin, na bhfionnachtana a éireoidh as na nósanna imeachta sin a chur chun feidhme.
(5) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí torthaí aon athbhreithnithe faoi fho-alt (4) a fhoilsiú, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis, agus cuirfidh sé tuairimí, más ann, ón ollscoil iomchuí lena mbaineann san áireamh san fhoilseachán.
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag ailt 35 agus 49(b) d'Acht 1997 maidir le hollscoil iomchuí.
CUID VII
Cosaint d'Fhoghlaimeoirí
Socruithe chun foghlaimeoirí a chosaint.
43.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna ná Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna—
(a) clár oideachais agus oiliúna a bhailíochtú de bhun alt 15 nó 25, de réir mar a bheidh, ná
(b) dámhachtain ar bith a dhéanamh nó a aithint i leith cláir oideachais agus oiliúna,
ar clár é, i gceachtar cás, a mhaireann trí mhí nó níos mó, atá á sholáthar ag soláthraí a bheartaíonn cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a oibriú ar bhonn tráchtála agus brabúsach, mura deimhin le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, go bhfuil socruithe i bhfeidhm ag an soláthraí lena mbaineann ar socruithe iad lena ndéantar foráil maidir le foghlaimeoirí i gcás go scoireann an soláthraí sin den chlár lena mbaineann a sholáthar.
(2) Sa Chuid seo ciallaíonn “socruithe i bhfeidhm”—
(a) go bhfuil socruithe i bhfeidhm ag soláthraí an chláir lena mbaineann le beirt soláthraí eile, ar a laghad, lena bhforáiltear go bhféadfaidh foghlaimeoir aistriú go dtí cláir den tsamhail chéanna a sholáthraíonn na soláthraithe eile sin, nó
(b) i gcás soláthraí a mheasann, faoi réir chomhaontú Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, nach bhfuil sé indéanta socruithe a bheith i bhfeidhm mar a shonraítear i mir (a), go bhfuil socruithe i bhfeidhm ag an soláthraí sin ar socruithe iad a chumasaíonn don soláthraí sin an t-airgead is déanaí a íocadh leis an soláthraí i leith an chláir sin a aisíoc le foghlaimeoir, nó leis an duine a d'íoc an t-airgead lena mbaineann thar ceann an fhoghlaimeora.
(3) (a) Cothóidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna araon clár de chláir oideachais agus oiliúna a bhfuil socruithe i bhfeidhm ina leith de réir fho-alt (1).
(b) Coimeádfar clár dá dtagraítear i mir (a) i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh a ordóidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham agus foilseoidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí, mionsonraí an chláir lena mbaineann.
(4) Maidir leis an gceanglas faisnéis a sholáthar de réir alt 15(5) nó 25(5)(d), de réir mar a bheidh, féadfaidh faisnéis i leith socruithe a cheanglaítear ar sholáthraí a bheith i bhfeidhm aige de réir an ailt seo a bheith san áireamh ann.
(5) Aon tagairtí sa Chuid seo do sholáthraí do scor de chlár oideachais agus oiliúna a sholáthar, folaíonn siad scor den chlár lena mbaineann a sholáthar cibé ar bith cén chúis atá leis, lena n-áirítear—
(a) dócmhainneacht an tsoláthraí, nó
(b) Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, do tharraingt siar bhailíochtú an chláir lena mbaineann,
sula mbeidh an clár sin críochnaithe.
Cúnamh chun clár ionadúil a aimsiú.
44.—(1) I gcás go scoireann soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna, a bhfuil feidhm ag alt 43 maidir leis, den chlár lena mbaineann a sholáthar, déanfaidh an comhlacht iomchuí gach iarracht réasúnach cuidiú leis na foghlaimeoirí lena mbaineann clár cuí oideachais agus oiliúna a aimsiú le soláthraí eile, ar clár é a chumasóidh dóibh an t-oideachas agus an oiliúint sin a chríochnú.
(2) Tá feidhm ag fo-alt (1) gan dochar do dhualgais agus d'oibleagáidí soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna i leith na bhfoghlaimeoirí lena mbaineann.
(3) San alt seo ciallaíonn “comhlacht iomchuí” cibé ceann de Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna a rinne nó a d'aithin dámhachtain nó a bhí le dámhachtain a dhéanamh nó a aithint i leith an chláir oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann.
Faisnéis a bheidh le tabhairt ag an soláthraí: cosaint.
45.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), sula nglacfaidh soláthraí aon airgead ó fhoghlaimeoir nó thar ceann foghlaimeora (seachas airgead a bheidh íoctha thar ceann foghlaimeora ó chistí arna soláthar ag an Oireachtas), i leith cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a mhaireann trí mhí nó níos mó, déanfaidh sé, le fógra i scríbhinn, an méid seo a leanas a chur in iúl don fhoghlaimeoir a bhfuil an t-airgead le híoc aige nó thar a cheann nó aici nó thar a ceann—
(a) an bhfuil ceangal ar an soláthraí faoi alt 43 socruithe a bheith i bhfeidhm aige agus cad é cineál na socruithe sin, nó
(b) cé na nósanna imeachta eile (más ann) a chothaíonn an soláthraí chun na foghlaimeoirí lena mbaineann a chosaint má scoireann an soláthraí lena mbaineann den chlár sin a sholáthar.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) cibé acu a dhéanann nó nach ndéanann, nó a aithníonn nó nach n-aithníonn, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna aon dámhachtain i leith an chláir oideachais agus oiliúna lena mbaineann.
Faisnéis a bheidh le tabhairt ag an soláthraí: rochtain, aistriú agus forchéimniú.
46.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), aon soláthraí a bheartaíonn clár oideachais agus oiliúna a oibriú, déanfaidh sé, le fógra i scríbhinn, i leith cláir a mhaireann trí mhí nó níos mó—
(a) roimh thosach an chláir, nó
(b) sula nglacfaidh sé le haon airgead ó fhoghlaimeoir nó thar ceann foghlaimeora i leith an chláir,
cibé acu is túisce, an méid seo a leanas a chur in iúl don fhoghlaimeoir—
(i) cibé acu a riartar nó nach riartar don chlár lena mbaineann trí na nósanna imeachta le haghaidh rochtana, aistriú nó forchéimniú dá dtagraítear in alt 8(2)(d) agus an méid a riartar dó amhlaidh, agus
(ii) ainm an chomhlachta dámhachtana a dhéanfaidh an dámhachtain i gcás go gcríochnóidh an foghlaimeoir an clár lena mbaineann go sásúil agus teideal na dámhachtana sin.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) cibé acu a dhéanann nó nach ndéanann, nó a aithníonn nó nach n-aithníonn, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna aon dámhachtain i leith an chláir lena mbaineann.
Cionta agus pionóis.
47.—Aon soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna—
(a) a mhaífidh nó a thabharfaidh le fios, go bréagach, go bhfuil Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna tar éis an clár lena mbaineann a bhailíochtú nó go ndéanann nó go n-aithníonn sí dámhachtain i leith an chláir sin, agus a fhios aige, nó cúis aige chun a chreidiúint, go bhfuil an méid atá á mhaíomh nó á thabhairt le fios aige bréagach, nó
(b) a mhaífidh nó a thabharfaidh le fios, go bréagach, gur foras aitheanta de chuid Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna an soláthraí lena mbaineann, agus a fhios aige, nó cúis aige chun a chreidiúint, go bhfuil an méid atá á mhaíomh nó á thabhairt le fios aige bréagach, nó
(c) a mhainneoidh an fhaisnéis a thabhairt a cheanglaítear ar an soláthraí lena mbaineann a thabhairt faoi alt 45 nó 46, nó
(d) a thabharfaidh ní éigin bréagach le fios d'fhoghlaimeoir i ndáil leis na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 45 nó 46, agus a fhios aige, nó cúis aige chun a chreidiúint, go bhfuil an méid atá á thabhairt le fios aige bréagach,
beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus dlífear—
(i) ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,500 nó, de rogha na cúirte, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 12 mhí, nó iad araon, a chur air, nó
(ii) ar é a chiontú ar díotáil, fíneáil nach mó ná £50,000 nó, de rogha na cúirte, príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná 5 bliana, nó iad araon, a chur air.
CUID VIII
Forálacha Ginearálta
Míniú.
48.—Sa Chuid seo ciallaíonn “comhlacht iomchuí” an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh.
Cathaoirleach.
49.—(1) Beidh, ag gach comhlacht iomchuí, cathaoirleach arna cheapadh nó arna ceapadh ag an Aire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, leis an Aire Talmhaíochta agus Bia agus leis an Aire Turasóireachta, Spóirt agus Áineasa.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire cathaoirleach comhlachta iomchuí a chur as oifig ar chúiseanna sonraithe.
(3) Beidh ceapachán faoi fho-alt (1) ar bhonn páirtaimseartha agus ní fheidhmeoidh an duine a cheapfar feidhm ar bith i leith rialú agus bainistiú comhlachta iomchuí seachas feidhmeanna chathaoirleach an chomhlachta sin dá bhforáiltear faoin Acht seo.
Príomhfheidhmeannach.
50.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (2) agus (3) agus alt 51, déanfaidh gach comhlacht iomchuí, faoi réir cheadú an Aire, príomhfheidhmeannach a cheapadh ó am go ham i gcáil lánaimseartha.
(2) Ceapfaidh comhlacht iomchuí príomhfheidhmeannach faoi fho-alt (1), faoi réir cheadú an Aire, faoi cheann trí bliana ó bhunú an chomhlachta iomchuí lena mbaineann.
(3) Ceapfar an príomhfheidhmeannach de réir nósanna imeachta arna gcinneadh ag an gcomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann, le toiliú an Aire.
(4) Déanfaidh an príomhfheidhmeannach riarachán agus gnó an chomhlachta iomchuí lena mbaineann a sheoladh agus a bhainistiú agus a rialú i gcoitinne, agus comhlíonfaidh sé nó sí cibé feidhmeanna eile (más ann) a chinnfidh an comhlacht sin.
(5) Chun críocha alt 19 d'Acht an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste (Leasú), 1993, folóidh “oifigeach cuntasaíochta” príomhfheidhmeannach a cheapfar faoi fho-alt (1).
(6) Beidh feidhm ag an Dara Sceideal maidir leis an bpríomhfheidhmeannach.
Príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach.
51.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, le toiliú an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta, duine a cheapadh chun bheith mar phríomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach ar chomhlacht iomchuí.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (4), beidh an príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach, más ann, ar chomhlacht iomchuí i seilbh oifige go ceann cibé tréimhse (ar tréimhse í nach rachaidh, in aon chás, thar thrí bliana tar éis bhunú an chomhlachta iomchuí lena mbaineann) agus ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha (lena n-áirítear téarmaí agus coinníollacha a bhaineann le luach saothair, táillí, liúntais agus caiteachais) a chinnfidh an comhlacht sin, le toiliú an Aire agus an Aire Airgeadais.
(3) I gcás go scoirfidh príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach a bheidh ceaptha faoi fho-alt (1) d'oifig a shealbhú ar aon chúis roimh dhul in éag do thréimhse a cheapacháin nó a ceapacháin, féadfaidh an tAire duine a cheapadh ar a dtabharfar an príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach agus a bheidh i seilbh oifige go ceann cibé tréimhse (ar tréimhse í nach rachaidh, in aon chás, thar a mbeidh fágtha de théarma oifige an duine ba chúis leis an bhfolúntas a gceaptar é nó í lena líonadh) agus ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha (lena n-áirítear téarmaí agus coinníollacha a bhaineann le luach saothair, táillí, liúntais agus caiteachais) a chinnfidh an comhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann, le toiliú an Aire agus an Aire Airgeadais.
(4) Nuair a cheapfar príomhfheidhmeannach faoi alt 50, scoirfidh príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach an chomhlachta iomchuí lena mbaineann, más ann, d'oifig a shealbhú.
(5) Go dtí go gceapfar príomhfheidhmeannach ar an gcomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann faoi alt 50, comhlíonfaidh príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach, más ann, an chomhlachta sin feidhmeanna uile príomhfheidhmeannaigh faoin Acht seo.
(6) Aon tagairtí san Acht seo do phríomhfheidhmeannach, folóidh siad príomhfheidhmeannach eatramhach, mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt.
Fostaithe.
52.—(1) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, ó am go ham, faoi réir thoiliú an Aire agus an Aire Airgeadais, cibé daoine agus cibé líon daoine is cuí leis a cheapadh chun bheith ina bhfostaithe de chuid an chomhlachta sin.
(2) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, faoi réir cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis, aon cheann d'fheidhmeanna an chomhlachta iomchuí a bhaineann le fostaithe de chuid an chomhlachta sin a cheapadh, agus le nósanna imeachta roghnóireachta a chinneadh, a tharmligean chun an phríomhfheidhmeannaigh.
(3) Ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear a mhalairt leis an Acht seo, déanfar fostaí de chuid comhlachta iomchuí a fhostú ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha a chinnfidh an comhlacht sin ó am go ham, faoi réir thoiliú an Aire agus an Aire Airgeadais.
(4) Ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear a mhalairt leis an Acht seo agus faoi réir fho-ailt (8) agus (9), íocfaidh comhlacht iomchuí lena fhostaithe cibé luach saothair, táillí, liúntais agus caiteachais a chinnfidh an comhlacht sin ó am go ham, le toiliú an Aire agus an Aire Airgeadais.
(5) Cinnfidh comhlacht iomchuí téarmaí agus coinníollacha aon scéime aoisliúntais dá fhostaithe (lena n-áirítear príomhfheidhmeannach) de réir an Tríú Sceideal agus beidh feidhm ag an Sceideal sin maidir le leasú ar scéim láithreach ar an gcaoi chéanna a bhfuil feidhm aige maidir le scéim nua.
(6) Faoi réir fho-alt (7), gach duine a bheidh, díreach roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo agus Chaibidil V de Chuid IV, ina fhostaí nó ina fostaí de Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, tiocfaidh sé nó sí chun bheith, agus beidh sé nó sí, ar an tosach feidhme sin, ina fhostaí nó ina fostaí de Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna.
(7) Faoi réir fho-alt (11), aon duine a bheidh, díreach roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo agus Chaibidil V de Chuid IV, ina fhostaí nó ina fostaí de Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, féadfaidh sé nó sí, le hordú ón Aire, teacht chun bheith, agus a bheith, ina fhostaí nó ina fostaí den Údarás Cáilíochtaí nó de Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna.
(8) Aon duine a bhí, díreach roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo, ina fhostaí nó ina fostaí den Fhoras, de CERT nó de Theagasc, féadfaidh sé nó sí, faoi réir chomhaontú an duine sin agus chomhaontú an Aire, ar an tosach feidhme sin nó ar cibé dáta is déanaí ná sin a chomhaontófar leis an Aire, teacht chun bheith, agus a bheith, ina fhostaí nó ina fostaí de chomhlacht iomchuí, agus na cearta agus na teidil maidir le seilbh, luach saothair, táillí, liúntais, caiteachais agus aoisliúntas a bheidh á dteachtadh ag an duine sin ar thosach feidhme na Coda seo, ní lú tairbhe iad, de bhua oibriú an Achta seo, ná na cearta agus na teidil sin a bhí á dteachtadh ag an duine sin díreach roimh an tosach feidhme sin.
(9) Chun amhras a sheachaint, na cearta agus na teidil maidir le seilbh, luach saothair, táillí, liúntais, caiteachais agus aoisliúntas a bheidh á dteachtadh, ar thosach feidhme na Coda seo agus Chaibidil V de Chuid IV, ag daoine is fostaithe de chomhlacht iomchuí agus, i gcás aoisliúntais, ag iarfhostaithe de Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, ní lú tairbhe iad, de bhua oibriú an Achta seo, ná na cearta agus na teidil sin a bhí á dteachtadh ag na daoine sin mar fhostaithe, nó mar iarfhostaithe, de Chomhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, díreach roimh an tosach feidhme sin.
(10) Faoi réir fho-alt (11), féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, agus déanfaidh sé nuair a ordóidh an tAire dó é, fostaí a thabhairt ar iasacht do Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna nó do Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna, nó don dá cheann acu, de réir mar is cuí.
(11) Sula ndéanfaidh sé nó sí ordú faoi fho-alt (7) nó sula n-eiseoidh sé nó sí ordachán faoi fho-alt (10), cuirfidh an tAire in iúl, le fógra i scríbhinn, don duine nó don fhostaí agus d'aon cheardchumann nó comhlachas foirne aitheanta lena mbaineann go bhfuil ar intinn aige nó aici ordú den sórt sin a dhéanamh nó ordachán den sórt sin a eisiúint agus déarfar san fhógra go bhféadfaidh an duine nó an fostaí lena mbaineann uiríll a dhéanamh chuig an Aire, i ndáil leis an ordú nó leis an ordachán beartaithe, laistigh de cibé am a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra agus breithneoidh an tAire na huiríll sin (más ann).
(12) Féadfaidh an tAire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an gcomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann, oifigeach don Aire a thabhairt ar iasacht don chomhlacht sin mar fhostaí den chomhlacht sin, faoi réir thoiliú an oifigigh.
Comhaltas de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó de Pharlaimint na hEorpa.
53.—(1) Más rud é, maidir le comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí—
(a) go n-ainmneofar é nó í mar chomhalta de Sheanad Éireann,
(b) go dtoghfar é nó í mar chomhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó chun bheith ina ionadaí nó ina hionadaí i bParlaimint na hEorpa,
(c) go measfar, de bhun Chuid XIII den Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht um Thoghcháin do Pharlaimint na hEorpa, 1997, é nó í a bheith tofa chun na Parlaiminte sin, nó
(d) go scoirfidh sé nó sí de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den aicme daoine, dá bhforáiltear in alt 6, 13 nó 22, de réir mar a bheidh, lenar bhain sé nó sí an tráth ar tháinig sé nó sí chun bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den sórt sin,
scoirfidh sé nó sí air sin de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den chomhlacht iomchuí.
(2) Más rud é, maidir le fostaí de chomhlacht iomchuí—
(a) go n-ainmneofar é nó í mar chomhalta de Sheanad Éireann, nó
(b) go dtoghfar é nó í mar chomhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó chun bheith ina ionadaí nó ina hionadaí i bParlaimint na hEorpa, nó
(c) go measfar, de bhun na Coda sin XIII, é nó í a bheith tofa chun na Parlaiminte sin,
beidh sé nó sí air sin ar iasacht ó fhostaíocht ag an gcomhlacht iomchuí agus ní íocfaidh an comhlacht iomchuí leis nó léi, nó ní bheidh sé nó sí i dteideal go bhfaighidh sé nó sí ón gcomhlacht iomchuí, aon luach saothair, táille, liúntais nó caiteachais i leith na tréimhse dar tosach an tráth a n-ainmneofar nó a dtoghfar é nó í amhlaidh, nó an tráth a measfar amhlaidh é nó í a bheith tofa, de réir mar a bheidh, agus dar críoch an tráth a scoirfidh an duine sin de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta de cheachtar Teach nó den Pharlaimint sin.
(3) Ní dhéanfar aon tréimhse dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) a áireamh mar sheirbhís leis an gcomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann chun críocha aon sochair aoisliúntais.
(4) Duine a bheidh de thuras na huaire i dteideal, faoi Bhuan-Orduithe ceachtar Tí den Oireachtas, suí sa Teach sin nó is ionadaí i bParlaimint na hEorpa, beidh sé nó sí, fad a bheidh sé nó sí i dteideal amhlaidh nó ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den sórt sin, dícháilithe chun bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí nó chun bheith fostaithe in aon cháil ag comhlacht iomchuí.
Leasanna a nochtadh.
54.—(1) I gcás go mbeidh leas airgid nó leas tairbhiúil eile in aon ní, nó atá ábhartha i leith aon ní, a bheidh le breithniú ag comhlacht iomchuí nó ag coiste arna bhunú faoin Acht seo ag comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí, ag fostaí de chomhlacht iomchuí, ag comhalta de choiste arna bhunú faoi alt 56, nó ag sainchomhairleoir, comhairleoir nó duine eile a bheidh ar fostú ag comhlacht iomchuí—
(a) déanfaidh sé nó sí an cineál leasa atá aige nó aici a nochtadh don chomhlacht iomchuí nó don choiste, de réir mar a bheidh, sula ndéanfar aon bhreithniú ar an ní,
(b) ní dhéanfaidh sé nó sí tionchar a imirt, ná ní fhéachfaidh le tionchar a imirt, ar chinneadh i ndáil leis an ní,
(c) ní ghlacfaidh sé nó sí páirt ar bith in aon bhreithniú ar an ní,
(d) más comhalta den chomhlacht iomchuí, fostaí den chomhlacht iomchuí nó comhalta de choiste arna bhunú faoi alt 56 é nó í, tarraingeoidh sé nó sí siar ón gcruinniú fad a bheidh an ní á phlé nó á bhreithniú agus ní vótálfaidh sé nó sí, ná ní ghníomhóidh sé nó sí ar shlí eile mar chomhalta nó mar fhostaí den sórt sin i ndáil leis an ní.
(2) Chun críocha an ailt seo, ach gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), measfar leas tairbhiúil a bheith ag duine más rud é—
(a) gur comhalta de chuideachta nó d'aon chomhlacht eile ag a bhfuil leas tairbhiúil i ní, nó leas tairbhiúil atá ábhartha i leith aon ní, dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin é nó í nó aon duine dá theaghlach nó dá teaghlach, nó aon ainmnitheach dá chuid nó dá cuid nó de chuid aon duine dá theaghlach nó dá teaghlach,
(b) go bhfuil sé nó sí nó aon duine dá theaghlach nó dá teaghlach i gcomhpháirtíocht le duine nó ar fostú ag duine ag a bhfuil leas tairbhiúil i ní den sórt sin nó leas tairbhiúil atá ábhartha i leith ní den sórt sin,
(c) gur páirtí é nó í nó aon duine dá theaghlach nó dá teaghlach in aon socrú nó comhaontú (cibé acu infhorfheidhmithe nó nach ea) maidir le talamh lena mbaineann ní den sórt sin, nó
(d) go bhfuil leas tairbhiúil i ní den sórt sin, nó leas tairbhiúil atá ábhartha i leith ní den sórt sin, ag aon duine dá theaghlach nó dá teaghlach.
(3) Chun críocha an ailt seo ní mheasfar leas tairbhiúil in aon ní, nó leas atá ábhartha i leith aon ní, a bheith ag duine de bhíthin amháin go bhfuil leas aige nó aici nó ag aon chuideachta nó ag aon chomhlacht eile nó duine eile a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2) ar leas é atá chomh cianda nó chomh neamhthábhachtach sin nach féidir a mheas le réasún gur dóigh dó tionchar a imirt ar dhuine le linn dó nó di breithniú, plé nó vótáil a dhéanamh ar aon cheist maidir leis an ní, nó le linn dó nó di aon fheidhm a chomhlíonadh i ndáil leis an ní sin.
(4) I gcás go n-éireoidh ceist i dtaobh arbh ionann nó nárbh ionann iompar áirithe, dá ndéanfadh duine é, agus mainneachtain aige nó aici ceanglais fho-alt (1) a chomhlíonadh, is é an comhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann nó coiste arna bhunú faoi alt 56, de réir mar a bheidh, a chinnfidh an cheist agus déanfar sonraí an chinnidh a thaifeadadh i miontuairiscí an chruinnithe lena mbaineann.
(5) I gcás go ndéanfar nochtadh de bhun fho-alt (1) do chomhlacht iomchuí nó do choiste arna bhunú faoi alt 56, déanfar sonraí an nochta a thaifeadadh i miontuairiscí an chruinnithe lena mbaineann.
(6) I gcás go mainneoidh duine dá dtagraítear san alt seo nochtadh a dhéanamh de réir an ailt seo, cinnfidh an comhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann nó coiste arna bhunú faoi alt 56, de réir mar a bheidh, an beart cuí a bheidh le déanamh.
Faisnéis a nochtadh.
55.—(1) Ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear a mhalairt le dlí agus le fo-alt (3), ní nochtfaidh duine, gan toiliú an chomhlachta iomchuí lena mbaineann, faisnéis ar bith a gheobhaidh sé nó sí agus é nó í ag comhlíonadh dualgas (nó de thoradh dualgais a bheith comhlíonta aige nó aici)—
(a) mar chomhalta den chomhlacht sin,
(b) mar fhostaí den chomhlacht sin,
(c) mar chomhalta de choiste arna bhunú faoi alt 56, nó
(d) mar chomhairleoir nó sainchomhairleoir don chomhlacht sin nó mar fhostaí den duine sin le linn dualgais a bhaineann leis an gcomhairle sin nó leis an tsainchomhairle sin a chomhlíonadh.
(2) Aon duine a sháróidh fo-alt (1) beidh sé nó sí ciontach i gcion agus dlífear, ar é nó í a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,500 a chur air nó uirthi.
(3) Ní choiscfidh aon ní i bhfo-alt (1) faisnéis i dtuarascáil a thabharfar do chomhlacht iomchuí nó a thabharfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, nó a thabharfar thar ceann comhlachta iomchuí, a nochtadh don Aire.
Coistí.
56.—(1) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí coiste a bhunú arb iad a bheidh air, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, daoine atá ina gcomhaltaí nó ina bhfostaithe den chomhlacht sin—
(a) chun comhairle a thabhairt don chomlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann i dtaobh cibé nithe a chinnfidh an comhlacht sin ó am go ham, nó
(b) chun cibé feidhmeanna de chuid an chomhlachta sin a tharmligfear chun an choiste ó am go ham, lena n-áirítear cibé feidhmeanna a bhainfidh le gníomhaíocht áirithe gnó, oideachais nó oiliúna, a fheidhmiú.
(2) Beidh feidhmiú feidhmeanna ag coiste, ar feidhmeanna iad a bheidh tarmligthe chuige faoi fho-alt (1)(b), faoi réir a dhaingnithe ag an gcomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann mura gcinnfidh an comhlacht sin a mhalairt.
(3) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, aon tráth, coiste a bheidh bunaithe aige faoin alt seo a dhíscaoileadh nó comhalta de choiste a chur as an gcomhaltas sin.
(4) Féadfaidh coiste a bhunófar faoin alt seo a nósanna imeachta agus a ghnó a rialáil, le buanorduithe nó ar shlí eile.
(5) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí duine a cheapadh chun bheith ina chathaoirleach nó ina cathaoirleach ar choiste a bhunófar faoin alt seo.
(6) Déanfar cibé liúntais nó caiteachais, más ann, a chinnfidh an tAire, le ceadú an Aire Airgeadais, a íoc le cathaoirleach agus comhaltaí coiste (seachas comhalta ex officio is fostaí de chomhlacht iomchuí) as cistí a bheidh faoina réir ag an gcomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann.
Cuntais.
57.—(1) Coimeádfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, i cibé foirm a cheadóidh an tAire, na cuntais agus na taifid go léir is cuí agus is gnách ar an airgead go léir a gheobhaidh an comhlacht iomchuí nó a chaithfidh sé.
(2) Déanfaidh comhlacht iomchuí cuntais a choimeádfar de bhun fho-alt (1) a chur, a mhéid a ordóidh an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste é, faoi bhráid an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste gach bliain, faoi cibé dáta a chinnfidh an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste ó am go ham, lena n-iniúchadh agus, díreach tar éis an iniúchta, déanfaidh an comhlacht iomchuí cóip de na cuntais, mar aon le cóip de thuarascáil an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste ar na cuntais, a thíolacadh don Aire, agus i gcás Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, soláthróidh siad cóipeanna don Údarás Cáilíochtaí freisin.
(3) Cuirfidh comhlacht iomchuí faoi deara cóipeanna de na cuntais a sholáthrófar don Aire faoin alt seo, mar aon le cóipeanna de thuarascáil an Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste ar na cuntais sin, a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
Pleananna.
58.—(1) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, a luaithe is indéanta tar éis a bhunaithe agus cibé tráthanna eile is cuí leis, a cheangal ar phríomhfheidhmeannach an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí plean a ullmhú ina leagfar amach tograí an Údaráis Cáilíochtaí chun a fheidhmeanna a chomhall i rith na tréimhse, ar tréimhse í nach lú ná dhá bhliain, lena mbaineann an plean.
(2) Déanfaidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, faoi cibé dáta a chinnfidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham, a cheangal ar gach duine dá bpríomhfheidhmeannaigh plean a ullmhú ina leagfar amach tograí gach Comhairle acu sin chun a feidhmeanna a chomhall i rith na tréimhse, ar tréimhse í nach lú ná dhá bhliain, lena mbaineann an plean.
(3) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, ag féachaint do na hacmhainní a bheidh ar fáil dó, an plean a bheidh ullmhaithe faoi fho-alt (1) nó (2) a cheadú gan mhodhnú nó, tar éis dul i gcomhairle lena phríomhfheidhmeannach, an plean a cheadú faoi réir cibé modhnuithe is cuí leis.
(4) A luaithe is indéanta tar éis do Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó do Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, an plean a cheadú faoi fho-alt (3), soláthróidh an Chomhairle lena mbaineann cóip den phlean don Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(5) Féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, ag féachaint do na hacmhainní a bheidh ar fáil dó, plean a bheidh soláthraithe dó faoi fho-alt (4) a cheadú gan mhodhnú nó, tar éis dul i gcomhairle le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó le Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh, an plean a cheadú faoi réir cibé modhnuithe is cuí leis an Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(6) Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí cóip den phlean lena mbaineann a sholáthar don Aire a luaithe is indéanta tar éis dó an plean sin a cheadú faoi fho-alt (3) nó (5).
Tuarascálacha.
59.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), ullmhóidh príomhfheidhmeannach comhlachta iomchuí, ag féachaint do phlean a bheidh ullmhaithe faoi alt 58, tuarascáil i dtaobh oibríochtaí agus fheidhmíocht an chomhlachta iomchuí i rith na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2).
(2) Ullmhófar tuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1)—
(a) i gcás na chéad tuarascála den sórt sin, ag deireadh na tréimhse dhá bhliain tar éis thosach feidhme na Coda seo, agus
(b) ina dhiaidh sin, ag deireadh na tréimhse dhá bhliain tar éis ullmhú na tuarascála roimhe sin.
(3) Foilseoidh comhlacht iomchuí tuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1) i cibé foirm agus ar cibé modh is cuí leis.
(4) Déanfaidh comhlacht iomchuí cóip de thuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1) a sholáthar don Aire agus, i gcás Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Chomhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, soláthróidh siad cóip don Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
(5) Cuirfidh an comhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann faoi deara cóip de thuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1) a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is indéanta tar éis í a fhoilsiú.
(6) Faoi réir fho-alt (7), déanfaidh comhlacht iomchuí cibé faisnéis maidir le comhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna a chinnfidh an tAire nó ceachtar Teach den Oireachtas, de réir mar a bheidh, ó am go ham a sholáthar don Aire nó do cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas.
(7) Déanfaidh Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna agus Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna cibé faisnéis maidir le comhlíonadh a bhfeidhmeanna a chinnfidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí ó am go ham a sholáthar don Údarás Cáilíochtaí.
Bronntanais.
60.—(1) Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí glacadh le bronntanais airgid, talún nó maoine eile ar cibé iontaobhais agus coinníollacha, más ann, a shonróidh an deontóir.
(2) Ní ghlacfaidh comhlacht iomchuí le bronntanas más rud é go mbeadh na hiontaobhais nó na coinníollacha a chuir an deontóir ag gabháil leis ar neamhréir le cuspóirí nó le feidhmeanna an chomhlachta iomchuí.
Táillí.
61.—(1) Déanfaidh comhlacht iomchuí táillí a mhuirearú, a ghlacadh agus a ghnóthú, seachas ón Aire, i ndáil le comhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna.
(2) Faoi réir fho-alt (3), déanfaidh an tAire, i gcomhairle leis an gcomhlacht iomchuí agus le comhthoiliú an Aire Airgeadais, leibhéal na dtáillí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a chinneadh
(3) Féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí comhairle a thabhairt don Aire maidir le leibhéal na dtáillí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(4) Chun críocha an ailt seo, féadfaidh an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí leibhéal na dtáillí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) a athbhreithniú ó am go ham.
62.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 4 den Acht um Áiseanna Saothair, 1987, tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) Faoi réir Acht na gCáilíochtaí (Oideachas agus Oiliúint), 1999, beidh ag an bhForas freisin, agus teachtfaidh sé, na feidhmeanna sin go léir a bhí dílsithe don Chomhairle, don Ghníomhaireacht agus don tSeirbhís Daonchumhachta díreach roimh an lá bunaithe agus nach bhfuil sonraithe i bhfo-alt (1).”.
Fógraí a sheirbheáil.
63.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (6), aon fhógra a cheanglaítear a sheirbheáil nó a thabhairt leis an Acht seo nó faoi, déanfar é a dhíriú chuig an duine lena mbaineann agus a sheirbheáil nó a thabhairt ar cheann de na slite seo a leanas—
(a) trína dhíriú chuig an duine faoina ainm nó faoina hainm agus trína sheachadadh air nó uirthi,
(b) trína fhágáil ag an seoladh ag a bhfuil gnáthchónaí ar an duine,
(c) trína chur leis an bpost i litir chláraithe réamhíoctha a bheidh dírithe chuig an duine ag an seoladh ag a bhfuil gnáthchónaí air nó uirthi,
(d) más rud é go mbeidh seoladh le haghaidh seirbheáil fógraí tugtha ag an duine, trína fhágáil ag an seoladh sin nó trína chur leis an bpost cláraithe réamhíoctha, agus é dírithe chuige nó chuici, chuig an seoladh sin, nó
(e) i gcás nach féidir an seoladh ag a bhfuil gnáthchónaí ar an duine a fháil amach le fiosrú réasúnach agus go gceanglaítear fógra a sheirbheáil air nó uirthi, nó a thabhairt dó nó di, i leith aon áitribh, trína sheachadadh ar dhuine os cionn 16 bliana d'aois a bhfuil cónaí air nó uirthi san áitreabh nó atá fostaithe ar an áitreabh, nó trína ghreamú in áit fheiceálach ar an áitreabh nó gar dó.
(2) I gcás nach féidir ainm an duine lena mbaineann a fháil amach le fiosrú réasúnach, féadfar fógra faoin Acht seo a dhíriú chuig “an t-áititheoir”, “an t-úinéir” nó “an duine i gceannas”, de réir mar a bheidh.
(3) Chun críocha an ailt seo, measfar gnáthchónaí a bheith ar chuideachta arna clárú faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 go 1990, ag a hoifig chláraithe, agus measfar gnáthchónaí a bheith ar gach comhlacht corpraithe eile agus ar gach comhlacht neamhchorpraithe ag a phríomhoifig nó ag a phríomháit ghnó.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh duine, aon tráth, i rith na tréimhse trí mhí tar éis fógra a ghreamú faoi fho-alt (1) (e), an fógra a thabhairt chun siúil, a dhamáistiú nó a aghlot gan údarás dleathach agus beidh aon duine a sháróidh an fo-alt seo ciontach i gcion.
(5) Aon duine a bheidh ciontach i gcion faoi fho-alt (4) dlífear, ar é nó í a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,500 a chur air nó uirthi.
(6) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1) maidir le fógra dá dtagraítear in alt 45 nó 46 nó sa Chéad Sceideal.
Forálacha i ndáil le cionta.
64.—(1) I gcás cion faoin Acht seo a bheith déanta ag comhlacht corpraithe agus go gcruthófar go ndearnadh amhlaidh é le toiliú, le cúlcheadú nó le ceadú, nó gurb inchurtha é i leith aon fhaillí ar thaobh, aon duine is stiúrthóir, bainisteoir, rúnaí nó oifigeach eile don chomhlacht corpraithe, nó aon duine eile a bhí ag gníomhú nó a d'airbheartaigh a bheith ag gníomhú in aon cháil den sórt sin, beidh an duine sin, chomh maith leis an gcomhlacht corpraithe, ciontach i gcion agus dlífear imeachtaí a shaothrú ina choinne nó ina coinne agus é nó í a phionósú amhail is dá mbeadh sé nó sí ciontach sa chion céadluaite.
(2) D'ainneoin alt 10(4) den Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, féadfar imeachtaí achoimre i leith ciona faoin Acht seo a thionscnamh laistigh de 12 mhí ó dháta an chiona.
Gan institiúid teicneolaíochta ná coláiste teicniúil réigiúnach a thabhairt de thuairisc ar sholáthraí.
65.—(1) Ach amháin i ndáil le soláthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna a bheidh bunaithe agus arb é sin an tuairisc a bheidh air roimh thosach feidhme na Coda seo (agus sa chás sin féadfar leanúint den tuairisc sin a thabhairt air), ní úsáidfidh duine, gan ceadú an Aire, na focail “institiúid teicneolaíochta” ná “coláiste teicniúil réigiúnach” mar thuairisc ar sholáthraí cláir oideachais agus oiliúna.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire iarratas a dhéanamh chuig an Ard-Chúirt ar urghaire chun srian a chur le haon duine úsáid a bhaint as na focail “institiúid teicneolaíochta” nó “coláiste teicniúil réigiúnach” de shárú ar fho-alt (1).
Cothromaíocht inscne.
66.—(1) I gcás gur mó ná duine amháin ach gur lú ná ceathrar an líon iomlán daoine a fhéadfaidh duine nó comhlacht a ainmniú faoi ailt 6, 13 agus 22, ainmneoidh an duine nó an comhlacht duine fireann amháin, ar a laghad, agus duine baineann amháin, ar a laghad.
(2) I gcás gur ceathrar nó níos mó an líon iomlán daoine a fhéadfaidh duine nó comhlacht a ainmniú faoi ailt 6, 13 agus 22, ainmneoidh an duine nó an comhlacht beirt duine fireanna, ar a laghad, agus beirt duine baineanna, ar a laghad.
AN CHÉAD SCEIDEAL
Comhaltas agus Cruinnithe
1. Sa Sceideal seo, ciallaíonn “comhlacht iomchuí” an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh.
2. (1) A luaithe is indéanta tar éis a bhunaithe, soláthróidh comhlacht iomchuí séala dó féin agus coimeádfaidh sé ina sheilbh é.
(2) Déanfar séala comhlachta iomchuí a fhíordheimhniú le síniú chathaoirleach an chomhlachta iomchuí nó síniú comhalta den chomhlacht iomchuí, agus le síniú fostaí den chomhlacht sin, a bheidh údaraithe ag an gcomhlacht chun gníomhú chuige sin.
(3) Tabharfar aird bhreithiúnach ar shéala comhlachta iomchuí agus glacfar i bhfianaise gach doiciméad a airbheartaíonn a bheith ina ionstraim a rinne comhlacht iomchuí agus a bheith séalaithe le séala comhlachta iomchuí (a airbheartaíonn a bheith fíordheimhnithe de réir fhomhír (2)) agus measfar gur ionstraim den sórt sin é gan chruthúnas, mura suífear a mhalairt.
3. (1) Féadfar comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí (seachas an cathaoirleach nó comhalta ex officio) a chur as oifig, ar chúiseanna sonraithe, le rún ón gcomhlacht iomchuí.
(2) Féadfaidh comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí (seachas an cathaoirleach nó comhalta ex officio), aon tráth, éirí as oifig mar chomhalta trí fhógra i scríbhinn a thabhairt don chathaoirleach agus beidh éifeacht leis an éirí as ar an dáta a bhfaighidh an cathaoirleach an fógra.
(3) Aon chomhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí (seachas comhalta ex officio), lena n-áirítear an cathaoirleach, a bheidh as láthair ó gach cruinniú den chomhlacht iomchuí ar feadh tréimhse sé mhí as a chéile, mura rud é gur breoiteacht faoi deara é nó í a bheith as láthair nó gur cheadaigh an comhlacht sin dó nó di é, scoirfidh sé nó sí ag deireadh na tréimhse sin de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den chomhlacht.
(4) Aon chomhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí (lena n-áirítear an cathaoirleach) a rachaidh a théarma nó a téarma oifige in éag trí imeacht aimsire, beidh sé nó sí in-athcheaptha ar an gcomhlacht iomchuí.
4. (1) Faoi réir an Sceidil seo, is é téarma oifige comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí (seachas comhalta ex officio), lena n-áirítear an cathaoirleach, cúig bliana ó dháta a cheaptha nó a ceaptha.
(2) Faoi réir fhomhír (3), ní fhónfaidh comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí (seachas comhalta ex officio) níos mó ná dhá théarma oifige ar an gcomhlacht sin.
(3) Ní dhéanfar aon téarma oifige mar chathaoirleach ar an gcomhlacht iomchuí a áireamh sna téarmaí oifige dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (2).
5. (1) I gcás comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí, seachas an cathaoirleach, d'fháil bháis, d'éirí as, a chur as oifig nó do scor d'oifig a shealbhú ar aon chúis eile, déanfaidh an comhlacht iomchuí socrú chun an corrfholúntas a tharla amhlaidh a líonadh a luaithe is indéanta.
(2) Aon duine a thiocfaidh chun bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí de bhun na míre seo, beidh sé nó sí, faoi réir an Sceidil seo, i seilbh oifige ar feadh a mbeidh fágtha de théarma oifige an chomhalta ar tharla an corrfholúntas de bharr é nó í d'fháil bháis, d'éirí as, a chur as oifig nó do scor d'oifig a shealbhú ar chúiseanna eile agus beidh sé nó sí, faoi réir mhír 3(4), inathcheaptha mar chomhalta den chomhlacht ar dhul in éag don tréimhse sin.
6. (1) Beidh cathaoirleach ag gach comhlacht iomchuí, mar a fhoráiltear in alt 49.
(2) Féadfaidh an cathaoirleach, aon tráth, éirí as oifig mar chathaoirleach trí fhógra i scríbhinn, a gcuirfear cóip de chuig an gcomhlacht iomchuí, a thabhairt don Aire, agus beidh éifeacht leis an éirí as ar an dáta a bhfaighidh an tAire an fógra.
7. I gcás go scoirfidh duine d'oifig an chathaoirligh a shealbhú, scoirfidh sé nó sí, an tráth céanna, de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta den chomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann.
8. Ní shealbhóidh cathaoirleach comhlachta iomchuí oifig chathaoirleach an chomhlachta sin ar feadh níos mó ná dhá théarma oifige.
9. (1) Déanfaidh gach comhlacht iomchuí, ó am go ham de réir mar is gá sa chás, comhalta (seachas an príomhfheidhmeannach) a cheapadh as measc a chomhaltaí chun bheith ina leaschathaoirleach air.
(2) Beidh an leaschathaoirleach i seilbh oifige go dtí go scoirfidh sé nó sí de bheith ina chomhalta nó ina comhalta de chomhlacht iomchuí, mura túisce a éireoidh sé nó sí as mar leaschathaoirleach.
10. Déanfar cibé liúntais nó caiteachais, más ann, a chinnfidh an tAire, le ceadú an Aire Airgeadais, a íoc le cathaoirleach agus le comhaltaí comhlachta iomchuí (seachas comhalta ex officio is fostaí den chomhlacht iomchuí) as cistí a bheidh faoina réir ag an gcomhlacht sin.
11. (1) Tionólfaidh gach comhlacht iomchuí ceithre chruinniú, ar a laghad, in aon tréimhse 12 mhí, agus cibé cruinnithe eile agus cibé méid cruinnithe eile, agus sin ag cibé tráthanna, a chinnfidh an cathaoirleach.
(2) Comórfaidh cathaoirleach comhlachta iomchuí cruinniú den chomhlacht iomchuí aon uair a iarrfaidh líon comhaltaí, nach lú ná an líon is córam, air nó uirthi déanamh amhlaidh.
(3) Is é is córam do chruinniú de chomhlacht iomchuí trian de líon iomlán na gcomhaltaí, arna chothromú suas go dtí an chéad slánuimhir eile, móide a haon.
12. Ag cruinniú de chomhlacht iomchuí—
(a) beidh an cathaoirleach, má bhíonn sé nó sí i láthair, ina chathaoirleach nó ina cathaoirleach ar an gcruinniú, nó
(b) mura mbeidh agus fad nach mbeidh an cathaoirleach i láthair nó má bhíonn agus fad a bheidh oifig an chathaoirligh folamh, beidh an leaschathaoirleach, má bhíonn sé nó sí i láthair, ina chathaoirleach nó ina cathaoirleach ar an gcruinniú, nó
(c) mura mbeidh agus fad nach mbeidh an cathaoirleach i láthair nó má bhíonn agus fad a bheidh oifig an chathaoirligh folamh, agus mura mbeidh agus fad nach mbeidh an leaschathaoirleach i láthair nó má bhíonn agus fad a bheidh oifig an leaschathaoirligh folamh, déanfaidh na comhaltaí den chomhlacht iomchuí a bheidh i láthair duine dá líon a roghnú chun bheith i gceannas ag an gcruinniú.
13. Déanfar gach ceist ag cruinniú de chomhlacht iomchuí a chinneadh le comhthoil, ach i gcás gurb é tuairim an chathaoirligh nó an duine eile a bheidh i gceannas nach féidir teacht ar chomhthoil, cinnfear an cheist le tromlach vótaí na gcomhaltaí a bheidh i láthair, lena n-áirítear an cathaoirleach, agus a vótálfaidh ar an gceist agus, i gcás na vótaí a bheith roinnte go cothrom, beidh an dara vóta nó vóta réitigh ag an gcathaoirleach nó ag an duine eile a bheidh i gceannas.
14. Faoi réir mhír 11(3), féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí gníomhú d'ainneoin folúntais nó folúntas i measc a chomhaltaí nó d'ainneoin aon easnaimh maidir le ceapadh comhalta a aimseofar ina dhiaidh sin.
15. Faoi réir an Achta seo, féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, ó am go ham, cibé rialacha a dhéanamh is cuí leis le haghaidh nósanna imeachta agus ghnó an chomhlachta iomchuí.
AN DARA SCEIDEAL
An Príomhfheidhmeannach
1. Sa Sceideal seo ciallaíonn “comhlacht iomchuí” an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh.
2. Comhlíonfaidh príomhfheidhmeannach comhlachta iomchuí a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna faoi réir cibé beartas a chinnfidh an comhlacht iomchuí ó am go ham agus beidh sé nó sí freagrach don chomhlacht sin as an gcomhlacht sin a bhainistiú go héifeachtúil éifeachtach agus as a fheidhmeanna nó a feidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh go cuí.
3. (1) Féadfaidh príomhfheidhmeannach comhlachta iomchuí aon cheann dá fheidhmeanna nó dá feidhmeanna a tharmligean chuig fostaí den chomhlacht iomchuí, mura rud é go mbeidh siad tarmligthe amhlaidh chuig an bpríomhfheidhmeannach faoi réir an choinníll nach ndéanfar iad a fho-tharmligean, agus beidh an fostaí lena mbaineann cuntasach don phríomhfheidhmeannach as comhlíonadh na bhfeidhmeanna a tharmligfear amhlaidh.
(2) D'ainneoin aon tarmligean den sórt sin, leanfaidh an príomhfheidhmeannach de bheith cuntasach gach uile thráth don chomhlacht iomchuí lena mbaineann as comhlíonadh na bhfeidhmeanna a tharmligfear amhlaidh.
4. Ní shealbhóidh príomhfheidhmeannach comhlachta iomchuí aon oifig ná post eile gan toiliú an chomhlachta iomchuí lena mbaineann.
5. Beidh príomhfheidhmeannach comhlachta iomchuí i seilbh oifige ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha (lena n-áirítear téarmaí agus coinníollacha a bhaineann le luach saothair, táillí, liúntais agus caiteachais) a chinnfidh an comhlacht sin le toiliú an Aire agus an Aire Airgeadais.
AN TRÍÚ SCEIDEAL
Aoisliúntas
1. Sa Sceideal seo ciallaíonn “comhlacht iomchuí” an tÚdarás Cáilíochtaí, Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Ardoideachais agus Oiliúna nó Comhairle na nDámhachtainí Breisoideachais agus Oiliúna, de réir mar a bheidh.
2. A luaithe is indéanta tar éis thosach feidhme Chuid VIII déanfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, faoi réir alt 52, scéim nó scéimeanna a ullmhú agus a chur faoi bhráid an Aire chun sochair aoisliúntais a dheonú do cibé fostaithe den chomhlacht iomchuí, nó ina leith, is cuí leis an gcomhlacht.
3. Socrófar le gach scéim den sórt sin an tráth agus na coinníollacha scoir do na daoine go léir a mbeidh sochair aoisliúntais iníoctha leo nó ina leith faoin scéim agus féadfar tráthanna éagsúla agus coinníollacha éagsúla a shocrú i leith aicmí éagsúla daoine.
4. Féadfaidh comhlacht iomchuí, aon tráth, scéim a ullmhú agus a chur faoi bhráid an Aire, ar scéim í lena leasófar scéim a bheidh curtha faoi bhráid an Aire agus a bheidh ceadaithe roimhe sin faoin Sceideal seo.
5. Déanfaidh an comhlacht iomchuí scéim nó scéim leasaitheach a chuirfear faoi bhráid an Aire faoin Sceideal seo, má cheadaíonn an tAire í le toiliú an Aire Airgeadais, a chur i gcrích de réir a téarmaí.
6. Má éiríonn díospóid maidir le héileamh aon duine ar aon sochar aoisliúntais, nó maidir le méid aon sochair aoisliúntais, is iníoctha de bhun scéime faoin Sceideal seo, cuirfear an díospóid sin faoi bhráid an Aire lena cinneadh ag an Aire agus is cinneadh críochnaitheach a bheidh i gcinneadh an Aire, faoi réir chomhaontú an Aire Airgeadais.
7. Ní dhéanfaidh comhlacht iomchuí aon sochar aoisliúntais a dheonú d'aon duine dá fhostaithe is comhaltaí de scéim faoin Sceideal seo, nó ina leith, ná ní dhéanfar aon socrú eile chun aon sochar aoisliúntais a sholáthar do dhaoine den sórt sin ar scor dóibh de bheith i seilbh oifige, seachas—
(a) de réir cibé scéim nó scéimeanna a chuirfear faoi bhráid an Aire agus a cheadófar faoin Sceideal seo, nó
(b) le ceadú an Aire faoi réir thoiliú an Aire Airgeadais.
8. Déanfar gach scéim a chuirfear faoi bhráid an Aire agus a cheadófar faoin Sceideal seo a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is indéanta tar éis í a cheadú amhlaidh, agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an scéim a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú na scéime, beidh an scéim ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin scéim.
9. Más rud é go ndéanfaí, sa tréimhse idir bunú comhlachta iomchuí agus teacht i ngníomh do scéim faoin Sceideal seo, sochar aoisliúntais a dheonú do dhuine, nó i leith duine, a glacadh isteach i seirbhís comhlachta iomchuí faoi alt 52, i leith sheirbhís an duine i gComhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais, ansin déanfaidh an comhlacht iomchuí an sochar aoisliúntais a dheonú don duine sin nó ina leith agus a íoc leis an duine sin nó ina leith agus, chun na críche sin, déanfar a sheirbhís nó a seirbhís inphinsin leis an gcomhlacht sin a chomhiomlánú lena sheirbhís nó lena seirbhís inphinsin roimhe sin.