Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there is any procedure where persons who have experience in caring within their family context can get the opportunity to receive recognition and formal training in such a way that they would be then certified as qualified to do similar work outside their own family setting. [40913/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Learning can take place in a wide variety of settings, potentially including family contexts. There is demand for assessment and recognition of such prior learning and training from individuals and learners who wish to receive an award or gain credit against a formal programme of education or training. The term 'Recognition of Prior Learning' refers to the process of recognition of the knowledge, skills and competence an individual learner has already acquired and is essential for the promotion of lifelong learning.

The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) has devised a set of guidelines to support their registered providers in the recognition of prior learning, in order to facilitate individuals who wish to receive recognition for learning and training that they have undertaken outside of the formal education sector. These guidelines are available on the FETAC website. A number of FETAC registered providers would give programmes in the care area and would use the FETAC guidelines in assessing and recognising any prior learning achieved.