Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her opening statement. I have two questions before calling Deputy Rabbitte. I appreciate this matter is not entirely within the remit of the Minister's Department, but given the presumed imminent departure of the UK from the European Union, with or without a deal and perhaps after an extension period, what steps can the State take to ensure mutual recognition of educational qualifications? Has the UK indicated to the Irish Government any proposed divergence from the standards regarding educational qualifications? Does the Minister envisage that there will be an impact upon our ability to recruit, in particular, social workers and social care workers? I am aware the committee discussed this issue last week and those two issues will be very important. Second, could the Minister go into some more detail about PEACE funding and how it affects her Department? Those are my two questions. I will call Deputy Rabbitte after the Minister responds.