Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding FETAC and QQI certifications (details suppled). [17343/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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FÁS previously had responsibility for administering the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). In 2012 FÁS commissioned a report to consider proposed changes to a number of programmes for which it had responsibility including the CSCS. This included an examination of the potential transfer of the CSCS to another state agency.

Amongst a number of conclusions, this report recommended that no imminent transfer of the CSCS should be undertaken. As a result, FÁS continued in its role and the Further Education and Training Awarding Council (FETAC) retained its role as the awarding body for the CSCS.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) was established in November 2012 and many of the functions of FETAC were assumed by QQI, including its role in relation to the CSCS. The Common Awards System (CAS) was introduced by FETAC for further education and training awards at levels 1 to 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications and is now maintained by QQI. Under the 2012 Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act QQI is empowered to issue a wide range of awards both inside and outside of the CAS.

SOLAS was established in October 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act 2013. Section 38 of that Act provides that all functions that were vested in FÁS are now transferred to SOLAS.

The role of SOLAS in relation to the CSCS derives from the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013. The regulations provide that FÁS (now SOLAS) is responsible for the issuance of valid construction skills registration cards under the provisions of Schedule 5 of the Regulations.