Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the dangers posed to mechanics in the servicing and repairing of electric cars; his plans to draft new regulations to ensure that all mechanics required to work on electric cars are properly trained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/19]

Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to launch a public awareness campaign in respect of the specialist training needed by mechanics that are required to work on electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2539/19]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 73 together.

The 2014 Review of Apprenticeship in Ireland recommended that curriculum reviews should be carried out on existing apprenticeships to keep pace with new methods and technologies in the workplace and to ensure that apprentices have a broader range of literacy, numeracy, ICT and teamworking skills.

The current motor mechanics apprenticeship has undergone a revision process and a new Fourth Version is planned for roll out in 2019, subject to validation by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. Significant changes in relation to the modernisation of the mechanics industry has been taken into consideration in this review. It is expected that the new version will incorporate additional material, including specific components on electric vehicles and safety.

In respect of mechanics already working in the industry, it is the responsibility of employers to maintain a healthy and safe workplace under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. In addition, manufacturers engage with dealers in the industry in relation to providing training for mechanics working on their vehicles. While the education and training sector is involved in initial training, regulation and communications on health and safety in the automotive sector does not fall under my Department’s remit.