Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the recognition of mutual qualifications on an all-island basis would be impacted in a no-deal Brexit; if plans have been agreed to ensure the continuation of recognition of qualifications in all Brexit scenarios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26699/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Should the UK Leave on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement, including a transition period, the current EU Directives will continue to apply to the UK during that time. The EU and the UK indicated in the Political Declaration setting out the framework of the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK that during negotiations on the Future Relations they will seek to develop appropriate arrangements on those professional qualifications which are necessary to the pursuit of regulated professions and in the Parties' mutual interest.

Should the UK leave the EU on the basis of a No Deal scenario, the EU Directive on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ) will no longer apply in the UK. In the No Deal context, working with officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Departments with responsibility for the regulation of professions, my Department is leading work to ensure, in as far as possible, the provision of arrangements with the UK to recognise professional qualifications. As part of this process, my Department is co-ordinating action by each Department with responsibility in the area of professional qualifications to ensure engagement and dialogue between regulatory bodies in Ireland and the UK and to put in place arrangements for the continued recognition of qualifications.

Relevant Departments have indicated that the engagement between their Regulatory Authorities and their UK counterparts is underway to achieve these objectives.