Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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190. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the introduction of a one-day asbestos awareness safety programme aimed at general construction workers, craft workers and on-site personnel in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/14]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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This is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS who manage the Safepass programme.

I am informed by SOLAS that Mandatory Safety Awareness Training is provided for under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 and in particular schedule 4 provides that to obtain a valid safety awareness card it is a requirement to successfully complete the SOLAS Safe Pass training programme.

Asbestos safety awareness is already incorporated in the mandatory Safe Pass programme and employers have express duties to the employees under the above stated legislation. The mandatory one training day programme incorporates an awareness of the dangers of asbestos and also covers the employers' duties regarding same.