Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 160: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a European certificate to operate heavy machinery on site and for excavation work is not recognised by FÁS; her views on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37985/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) FÁS is the Competent Authority for training, assessment, certification and registration of non-craft operatives in the construction sector.

As the Competent Authority, it is required to permit access to construction-related activities to workers with qualifications gained in another EU Member State under the same conditions that apply to Irish nationals. In this context, regulation SI No. 139 2008 requires FÁS to satisfy itself concerning the comparability of awards and their equivalence as between national and external certification in coming to a decision on recognition of external qualifications.

I understand that FÁS has already been in contact with this person and has invited him to submit his request together with supporting documentation to enable it to compare compliance with the required standards to obtain a FÁS registration card. I understand that this process will be completed expeditiously.