Basically the point I am trying to make is that when I decided to train to become a pilot I got my INITIAL class one at the Matter in Dublin. I then decided to do my flight training in UK(instead of Ireland). Upon arriving in the UK to commence my training I rang the CAA at Gatwick and asked them would I have to do an INITIAL again with them. They said that I would not have to, however I would have to see a CAA approved AME to briefly examine and register me. They suggested I wait until it was up for the renewal, so I did. But they said I could have had it converted before it was up for renewal if I so wished.
Easiest thing to do is get your initial done in the UK if you are looking for a UK licence and if it's in Ireland you want to train get it done in the Matter in Dublin.
That's what I learned from my experience. Hope I have helped and not confused anyone.
Last edited by go around flaps15; 14th Jan 2011 at 16:52.