I propose to take Questions Nos. 960, 1017 and 1048 together.
I am aware of the EU Commission's proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications. My Department is in ongoing consultation with the relevant regulatory bodies, other Government Departments, the representatives of other member states and the EU Commission regarding the proposal. The Department of Education and Science is the lead Department in these negotiations and my Department has raised a number of concerns regarding the proposal both with that Department and directly with the EU Commission. My officials will continue to monitor the progress of the proposal, to consult with the relevant bodies and to raise relevant concerns regarding the proposal with the Commission.