I have examined the report referred to by the Deputy and the recommendation contained in it that an EC-funded project should be developed to help build a close working relationship between Irish and UK training authorities.
In the context of the European Community, negotiations between Ireland and the United Kingdom have taken place over the years on the mutual recognition of qualifications. These negotiations at EC level have resulted in a number of sectoral directives on the recognition of the qualifications of architects, nurses, veterinary practitioners, pharmacists and medical doctors. A more general directive 89/48/EEC on the mutual recognition of regulated professions requiring three or more years higher education, came into effect this year. This covers a wide range of regulated professions at this level not already covered by the sectoral directives. The effect of these EC directives is to greatly increase the acceptance of Irish professional qualifications in the UK both by professional bodies and employers. The benefit has been particularly significant in the case of Irish trained teachers seeking qualified teacher status in England and Wales where I understand that, since Directive 89/48/EEC was implemented in that jurisdiction, upwards of 1,000 Irish teachers have secured recognition.
Negotiations are currently at an advanced stage for a second general EC directive on the mutual recognition of qualifications requiring education and training of less than three years higher education. This will also have the effect of facilitating recognition of Irish qualifications at this level in the UK.
At a bilateral level there is mutual recognition between Ireland and the UK of qualifications over a range of professions, particularly in the areas of accountancy and financial services. The Deputy will also be aware that FÁS have recently made a joint certification agreement with City and Guilds whereby participants on a range of FÁS training courses qualify for certification issued under the joint authority of the two awarding bodies.