Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 264: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will explain the role of FÁS in providing the training to become a certified Shotfirers and Explosives Supervisors under Statutory Instrument 28 of 2008; if she will indicate if FÁS has a role in the assessment of persons with these qualifications; if she is satisfied that there is no conflict of interest for FÁS if it certifies and audits these qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32359/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for the administration of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Quarries Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS) resides with FÁS as set out in Statutory Instrument 504 of 2006 — The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (Schedule 4) and Statutory Instrument 28 of 2008 — The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008 (Schedule 1).

Shotfiring is one of the specified tasks under both the CSCS and QSCS while explosives supervision is specified under the QSCS.

Training and assessment programmes for the CSCS and the QSCS were developed by FÁS, in consultation with the respective industries. FÁS does not deliver any programmes in shotfiring or explosives supervision. These programmes can only be delivered by approved training organisations which are registered on the FÁS/Enterprise Ireland National Register of Trainers.

FÁS does not certify these programmes but does, in accordance with its quality assurance arrangements with FETAC, process requests from approved training organizations for FETAC certification.

Under these schemes, FÁS is required to issue registration cards for specified tasks following successful completion of the relevant training, assessment and certification. Registration cards are issued on the basis of the relevant FETAC award or a recognised equivalent to the FETAC award including a recognised equivalent award in another Member State of the European Communities.