Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that can be taken to allow Irish persons now living and working in Australia to complete their apprenticeships (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20800/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that FÁS can only accept on-the-job assessments from approved companies and will not approve an apprentice to complete on-the-job phases of his/her apprenticeship with a company operating overseas unless the company has a registered office in the Republic of Ireland and has been assessed and approved by FÁS. However, in limited circumstances, apprentices who emigrate after completing all 7 phases of their apprenticeships, but who have not completed 4 years in employment with a FÁS approved employer as required for apprenticeship certification, can submit an application to FAS under the "Recognition of Prior Learning" initiative for recognition of trade related employment overseas.