EU: The development of a European framework for increased compatibility of qualifications should not be mistaken for a harmonisation of qualifications, according to the Minister of Education, Mr Dempsey.
Speaking yesterday at the seventh European Student Convention in Dublin Castle, titled "National qualifications framework and student involvement within the European higher education area", Mr Dempsey said he welcomed the involvement of European students in what was an important area of policy.
"We need to reach a stage where, in Europe, we can compete with the United States in terms of recognition, understanding and transparency of qualifications. We are a long way behind," he said.
"I fully support the need to respect diversity in higher education in the Union.
"I see the need for people to be fully aware of where the similarities are, and where the differences are, in qualifications across Europe."
Of particular relevance, he said, was the extent to which students had engaged in developing the Irish framework of qualifications, launched last October.
"I am sure that the participation of Irish students in the development of the framework can be paralleled in other countries which seek to develop their own frameworks of qualifications.
"The European Commission itself has advanced proposals for an overarching framework of qualifications, for all qualifications within Europe. I expect that this suggestion will be actively considered as part of the forthcoming review of how we are moving to implement the Lisbon agendas."
Mr Tom Boland of the Higher Education Authority said a European framework of qualifications would be important for allowing students greater freedom to work and study in other countries.
The process of designing such a framework was time-consuming, but it would be achieved, he said.
Student leaders from 36 countries have been in Dublin this week to attend the convention, which ends later today.
They have heard from a variety of representatives of educational organisations here, including the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Higher Education Training Awards Council.