Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 1

Written Answers - Educational Qualifications.

Pat Carey

Question:

326 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are implications for Irish nationals who teach in Italian universities of the finding of the Venice Regional Tribunal for finding against its own State following a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice for the repeated discrimination against nationals of EU member states who teach in Italian universities; and if he will consider advocating the case of Irish nationals with his counterpart in the Italian Government in view of correspondence (details supplied). [7049/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

EU 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 is responsible for monitoring and co-ordinating those cases where citizens of other EU member states seek recognition of qualifications as provided for by this directive in order to practice their profession in Ireland. The European Commission is the guardian of the treaty and infringements or alleged infringements of it is a matter in the first instance for the Commission and ultimately for the Court of Justice. The issue of making representations to the European Commission on behalf of Irish nationals who encounter difficulties in other member states in the context of the recognition of qualifications is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.