The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Health and Education) Bill 2018 is winding its way through the Seanad. The Joint Committee on Education and Skills had anticipated it would conduct a stakeholder engagement but because the Government moved it into the Seanad quickly, unfortunately, that could not happen. What are the Government's proposals for this legislation? We are not satisfied with the protections offered to teachers in the language college sector in the Bill, and nor are we satisfied with the Government's level of engagement on this issue.

In that case, why did Fianna Fáil abstain on the Bill in the Seanad?

Will the Government agree to a full stakeholder engagement in the education committee before the Bill comes before the Dáil? We will not support the passage of the Bill without that stakeholder engagement.

I will ask the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, to revert to the Deputy directly on the matter.

The Minister of State, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, is present.

As the Deputy will know, I often attend the Seanad and I will return for the next Stage of the Bill. I apologised for what happened but it was a misunderstanding. We will certainly discuss the matter with the committee before it comes before the Dáil.

Is that a commitment to stakeholder engagement?

Absolutely, but passing the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Bill is a priority. It has hung around for years and we need to pass it. I will try to ensure we have that engagement.

We will insist on it.