(Secretary of State for
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy): As set out in
the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 8 May 2019, the Common
Travel Area between the UK and Ireland means that British
citizens in Ireland and Irish citizens in the UK can work in
either country, including on a self-employed basis, without any
requirement to obtain permission from the authorities.
Her Majesty’s Government remains committed to ensuring the
continuation of adequate and appropriate provisions to enable the
recognition of Irish professional qualifications in the UK after
Brexit.
We seek to build on the highly effective working relationships
that currently exist between the UK and Ireland in this area.
Many professional bodies and regulators in the UK and Ireland
have close and longstanding links, rooted in mutual trust and
familiarity. Some operate as a single body across jurisdictions.
The Government will support and encourage continued close
collaboration and communication between UK and Irish regulators.
My department, along with colleagues across Whitehall, have been
working closely with UK regulators and professional bodies to
ensure that, as far as possible, there are appropriate systems
and procedures in place for the recognition of Irish
professional qualifications, whether through retained EU
legislation or alternative profession-specific pathways. Some
individuals will continue to benefit from bilateral arrangements
already in place between UK and Irish regulators.
We recognise that it is in our mutual interest to ensure that
these routes to recognition are in place to allow Irish
professionals to continue in their important participation within
the UK economy.
Her Majesty’s Government will continue to encourage UK and Irish
regulators to work together to strengthen their relationships and
minimise the impact on individuals of any necessary changes after
EU Exit. By building on longstanding relationships and
established good practice we seek to ensure minimal disruption
for all stakeholders.
Finally, Her Majesty’s Government would like to reassure
professionals with Irish qualifications who have already had
those qualifications recognised in the UK under the current EU
Directives, that their recognition decisions will still stand and
they will continue to be recognised.
