Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 88: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to enter into bilateral agreements with other states such as Australia and Canada to enable apprentices to finish out their work experience abroad to enable them to qualify. [40797/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under current apprenticeship rules, all apprentices are required to complete on-the-job assessments with a FÁS approved employer. However, under recognition of prior learning arrangements put in place by FÁS, apprentices not currently meeting the minimum on-the-job training period but with work experience from abroad can submit an application and portfolio of evidence to the FÁS Redundant Apprentice Accreditation Committee for assessment and with a view to the award of their Advanced Craft Certificate.

FÁS has been in contact with the relevant Canadian and Australian authorities with a view to supporting redundant apprentices seeking employment abroad. However, given the slowdown in the construction sectors in particular in Canada and Australia, it is understood that priority is being accorded to nationals of those countries in their respective labour markets.