Terence Flanagan
Ceist:185 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a trade test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 January 2012
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
I have outlined below the situation in relation to the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications Abroad and the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in Ireland.
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications Abroad
Individuals who wish to have their Irish qualification recognised abroad must submit their qualifications to the regulatory authorities in the relevant jurisdiction, and comply with the recognition requirements.
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in Ireland
Individuals with Foreign trade qualifications must submit their qualification to the NQAI who will compare the foreign qualification to a qualification that is placed at a particular level on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
The Irish Trade qualifications for craft-worker status have been placed on the Irish Framework of Qualifications at FETAC level 6 Advanced Certificate-craft.
Individuals with trade specific international qualifications which have been ratified as lower than the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft, and who wish to attain a FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft through the Irish apprenticeship structure, must comply with the following:
The person must be registered as an apprentice by a FÁS approved employer.
Submit a copy of the trade specific qualifications and a copy of the statement of equivalence from the NQAI, with an application for exemptions with portfolio of evidence.
Exemptions are determined by FÁS and notified to the applicant.
Exemptions are only granted up to Phase 5, and applicants must undertake the Phase 6 Practical and Theory examinations and complete Phase 7 with competency assessments with the FÁS approved employer.
Successful applicants are Awarded the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate-Craft.
However, in some professions you do not need to have completed an apprenticeship to be allowed to work. Motor Mechanic would be an example. As it is not a regulated profession it is a matter for each employer to specify the qualifications of the individual to meet standards and regulations. A full list of regulated professions in Ireland is included in schedule 1 to the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC) Regulations, 2008 and relevant authorities have processes in place for evaluating and recognising relevant qualifications and experience gained abroad for the purposes of allowing access to those professions.