Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
190. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding recognition of qualifications in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14743/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS. I understand from SOLAS that exemption applicants are required to submit a portfolio of evidence outlining their work experience and relevant technical qualifications. The portfolio is reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert who compares the application with the learning outcomes from the apprenticeship curriculum. The purpose of this exercise is to establish if the applicant has attained the required standard and is therefore entitled to an exemption. The apprenticeship curriculum is very broad in content and covers all aspects of the trade.
SOLAS has informed me that an exemption application was received from the individual in question 1st May 2013. His application included letters from QQI confirming the level at which they deemed his 3 City & Guilds qualifications would be placed on the National Framework of Qualifications. Two of these were Level 5 and one was Level 4. He also submitted a letter outlining his employment over an 11 year period. As per procedure, the application was reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with experience in both delivering and developing the apprenticeship curriculum and assessments. The content and duration of the City & Guilds qualifications were fully examined. While acknowledging the individual's experience and qualifications, it was the opinion of the SME that there was insufficient depth in the content of the short duration training courses undertaken by him to justify an exemption.
The individual in question was notified of this decision on 3rd May 2013 and I understand SOLAS advised him that he could appeal the exemption decision. To date no such appeal has been received.
