Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am largely satisfied. I am satisfied but I always put a caveat in because this is a new system. There is an implementation process, no one should be complacent, and it needs to continue to be monitored. There are a couple of things. First, this issue was identified as a result of the SOLAS helpline. The system worked, if you like. People were ringing in about it and SOLAS identified the issue. SOLAS went back and asked what was behind the issue. It seemed this was different from attending in person. It is a different form of getting the same certificate. It seemed that a lot of the people who were taking the test online, quite frankly, had not read the questions and answers booklet for the key preparatory test. I am not blaming them. SOLAS representatives were very clear that it was not made clear or visible enough on the website. I am satisfied that is now fixed and that the full book of 500 questions and answers is available to download on the revision tab. It is strongly advised that candidates study the questions to ensure they can pass the test. There is also an optional tutorial that will be offered when they start the test to explain how to navigate and scroll through it. That is new as well.

On the issue of fees, I will have to come back to the Deputy. I will take a view from SOLAS on that. I am conscious that the online test is already an awful lot cheaper than the in-person test. These are teething problems but I am very grateful to the Deputy for highlighting them.

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