63 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of the establishment of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment as a statutory body, he has set a commencement date; if the precise membership of the council has been decided and their names; when the chief executive will be appointed; when the necessary support staff will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12327/01]

114 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sign the order to establish the NCCA as a statutory body; and his views on whether the NCCA has sufficient staff currently to carry out all their functions. [12283/01]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 63 and 114 together.

I am pleased to inform the House that arrangements for the establishment of the NCCA on a statutory basis are almost complete. I intend to lay the appropriate orders before the Houses very shortly.

In relation to the matter of membership, I have consulted with the partners in education and, following this, have decided to continue the present composition of the council pending the conclusion of a facilitation process which will examine, in a collaborative manner, the matter of revised composition.