2996. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a review of the application of a person (details supplied) for recognition of overseas qualification for early learning and care can be commenced; and if officials in her Department will contact the applicant to assist in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62173/26]

Due to GDPR I am unable to discuss the details of any one individual case.

The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016, requires that all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent as deemed by the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability.

Any individual holding a qualification that is not on the DCDE approved list of qualifications must submit a full application to the Department to have their qualification assessed ensuring they submit all required documents.

Once a complete application has been received, it will undergo a qualification assessment and this process may take up to 21 working days, as each application is reviewed thoroughly and on an individual basis.

Following the assessment, the outcome of the application will be communicated directly to the applicant.

Applicants have the right to appeal the decision if they believe it should be reconsidered. As part of the appeals process, additional supporting documentation may be submitted for further review. Appeals may take several weeks to process, as the application must be reassessed in full before a final determination is made.

The Department is in regular contact with all applicants throughout the application and appeal process and provide regular updates on the stages of the process.