63.—(1) The Education Committee shall advise the Council in relation to the performance of its functions under paragraphs (d), (j) and (m) of section 13(2).

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Education Committee shall—

(a) (i) subject to subsection (5), whenever so requested by the Council, but in any event, not less frequently than every 10 years—

(I) review the standards of knowledge, skill and competence and the qualifications required for the purpose of registration under Part 4 or 8 and the maintenance of such registration,

(II) review programmes of education that have been approved by the Council or in respect of which providers of education are seeking approval from the Council,

(ii) as soon as may be following such a review, furnish a report to the Council of the results and findings of that review and include in the report such recommendations (if any) to the Council as it considers appropriate arising from that review,

(iii) furnish a copy of so much of a report under subparagraph (ii) as consists of recommendations to any provider of education who, in the opinion of the Committee, is affected by it,

(b) ensure that a review under paragraph (a) has regard to any minimum standards in relation to knowledge, skill, competency and qualifications in veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing and practice laid down in a directive, regulation or other act adopted by an institution of the Europear Communities or in a judgment of the Court of Justice,

(c) make recommendations to the Council in relation to participation in and approval of programmes of further education, and the qualifications to be obtained from them,

(d) whenever requested by the Council, but not less frequently than once every 10 years, draw up and promote, on behalf of the Council, programmes of further education—

(i) to be undertaken by a registered person,

(ii) which may be undertaken by a registered person,

(e) make recommendations to the Council in relation to the recognition by it of degrees or other academic awards granted to registered persons who have satisfactorily completed programmes of further education,

(f) where appropriate, on behalf of the Council, appoint examiners or hold or supervise examinations of persons who have completed programmes of further education,

(g) make recommendations to the Council as regards standards required for recognition by the Council of qualifications obtained from programmes of education obtained outside of the State by persons applying for registration under Part 4 or 8, and programmes of further education obtained outside of the State by registered persons,

(h) make recommendations to the Council in relation to the specialties in veterinary medicine that it may prescribe under section 46(2),

(i) make recommendations to the Council in relation to knowledge and skill required in order that a person may be registered as a veterinary practitioner with limited registration,

(j) perform such other functions in relation to veterinary education and training and programmes of education as may be conferred on it by the Council.

(3)  (a) Any delegation of functions of the Council to the Education Committee does not relieve the Council of responsibility for the performance of the function.

(b) A decision of the Education Committee is subject to confirmation by the Council.

(4) In reaching a decision to make a recommendation to the Council under this section, the Education Committee may take advice from such experts as it considers appropriate, in relation to veterinary medicine and education, higher and further education, management or any other matter that it considers appropriate.

(5) The first reviews under clauses (I) and (II) of subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subsection (2) shall be carried out by the Education Committee, and reports in relation to those reviews pursuant to subparagraph (ii) of that paragraph, shall be furnished by the Committee to the Council not later than 5 years after the establishment day.

(6) In order to assist it in the performance of its functions under this Part, the Education Committee may appoint persons—

(a) to visit providers of education or further education,

(b) during the course of such a visit to inspect matters such as staffing, examinations and procedures for examinations, courses of study, accommodation and equipment, and

(c) to report to the Committee about their findings.