Ireland faces EU legal action on worker directive

IRELAND is among seven countries facing legal action by the EU for failing to introduce laws recognising the qualifications of a range of workers including "itinerant tradesmen".

The EU rules are designed to make it easier for people to move around EU countries and set up shop if they wish without being blocked by red tape.

Many professional qualifications, such as those of doctors, lawyers, teachers, are already given equal recognition in all 15 member states.