Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Murphy again for highlighting this issue. I could not agree more that this partnership approach is very important, both in terms of meeting the skills and societal challenges we face in the country. It is good to have industry, education and government working together to see how we can all play our part in making sure there are enough people with the appropriate qualifications and skills to meet the requirements of our country. I will be happy to take up the Senator's invitation to meet the Irish Plant Contractors Association with him and also to facilitate a meeting between it, SOLAS and the relevant ETBs.

As the Senator also correctly stated, legislation due before this House, the construction safety licensing Bill, may provide an opportunity to tease out some more issues about safety in the workplace.