Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that FÁS recognises the trade qualification received by Irish people in the US who wish to work here; if mutual recognition of Irish qualifications has been secured by FÁS for Irish trades people who wish to work in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44546/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no national agreement in place between FÁS Apprenticeship Services and US based authorities to recognise trade awards. Education and training provision differs across the federal status, and there is not a uniform system.

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is the Irish centre for the recognition of international qualifications, and has established Qualifications Recognition — Ireland (www.qualificationsrecognition.ie) to provide advice on the comparability of qualifications for persons seeking access to employment, to further education and training or seeking the pursuit of a regulated profession. The centre acts as a first point of contact and refers queries to the appropriate awards body or competent authority for the regulated professions. The centre is networked with national contact points for academic recognition and information on vocational education and training throughout the EU. The NQAI can also offer information on Irish awards, where requested.

Where applications for recognition of trade qualifications are received from the US, they are referred by the NQAI to the Further Education and Training Awards Council for advice. However, in some instances a comparison with the learning outcomes required in an Irish award is not possible, e.g. in cases where the applicants have been granted in the US a license to practice, rather than being holders of a specific qualification which is formally documented and formally accredited.