Council Directive 89/48/EEC provides for a general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years duration. My Department transposed this directive into national law in 1991 by means of statutory instrument SI 1 of 1991. Ireland was the first EU member state to transpose this directive into national law.
In relation to Directive 98/5/EC, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has received legal advice to the effect that a provision in primary legislation is necessary to transpose the directive on the right of establishment of lawyers, in addition to regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972. The necessary provision has been made by way of an amendment to the Solicitors (Amendment) Bill, which is awaiting Report Stage, having been passed by the Seanad. On enactment of the Bill the necessary regulations to give full effect to the directive will be made.
On the issue of cross-Community recognition of third level qualifications, I presume that the Deputy is referring to the issue of transparency and recognition of qualifications within and across the European Union. In this connection, the Deputy will be aware that the Council of Education Ministers at our meeting on 14 February last, adopted a detailed work programme jointly with the Commission. This sets out the key issues to be addressed in order to meet the strategic objectives of improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems in the EU; facilitating access for all to education and training systems; and opening up education and training systems to the wider world.