Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14002/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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In Ireland, it is a requirement under S.I. No. 504/2006 — Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006, that any person engaged in any of the activities listed in Schedule four of the above Regulations on a construction site, must be in possession of the relevant Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) registration card. The requirements for the issue of a valid construction skills registration card under the Regulations are possession of (a) the relevant FETAC award under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, (b) an equivalent FETAC award, or (c) an equivalent award approved by a body in another Member State of the European Communities recognised by FÁS as equivalent to the FETAC award under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.

There was an agreement in the past between FÁS and the Construction Plant Competency Scheme (CPCS) in the UK to exchange certain plant registration cards. However, as late as December 2012, the CPCS have suspended this agreement, which they are entitled to do. FÁS is currently in negotiations with CPCS in an effort to re-instate the agreement. There is no qualification which is recognised in all EU Member States, different countries regulate different occupations.

Construction Plant is not a regulated occupation under UK legislation. Although a person is required to be competent and qualified it is not a requirement to hold a specified qualification or registration card. Each individual employer must ensure the competence of their workers and therefore they can accept the FÁS CSCS registration card as proof of competence provided they are satisfied that it is sufficient.

Following the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC) EU Directive, all EU Member States are required to facilitate EU citizens seeking to practice a regulated profession/occupation in another Member State, having gained their qualification in another Member State. As stated above, Construction Plant is not regulated in the UK and therefore they do not come under the scope of the (2005/36/EC) EU Directive.

In the interim period, Mr. Dunne may wish to contact Mr. Tony Pearson or Mr. Pat Wade in FÁS (Tel: 01 6070500) who will keep him up-dated on the process.