The acceptance of qualifications is dependent on the occupation of the individual and the regulatory regime applying to that occupation. The issue of the acceptance of qualifications will fall to be considered within the context of the national framework of qualifications to be developed by the National Qualifications Authority, which is currently being progressed by my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science. However, in some cases the acceptability of individual qualifications may depend on private bodies which are not within the ambit of Government.
In so far as FÁS is involved in the process of establishing the equivalence of qualifications obtained outside the State with Irish qualifications, I understand that such applications are dealt with expeditiously by the authority.
General assistance in establishing a business is available from the enterprise development agencies which operate under the aegis of my Department.
Given the complexity of the issues involved and in the interests of equity, I do not propose special arrangements for individuals or groups of individuals in these matters.
