Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

252. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if SOLAS charges applicants to the construction skills certificate scheme who are in receipt of social welfare payments or who hold a medical card a fee to receive their QQI certification following successful completion of the training and assessment programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5567/19]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Participants undertaking a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) programme are charged a participation fee by their Approved Training Organisation (ATO). The fee covers the cost of the training programme and also includes a charge for Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) certification and for the administration of the CSCS Registration Card by SOLAS.

SOLAS is undertaking an upgrade of their IT systems supporting the CSCS application process and will enable a QQI certification fee waiver to be applied for at source. This is expected to be available later in 2019. In the meantime, any persons undertaking a CSCS training and assessment event that believe they are eligible to a waiver in respect of QQI certification fees are advised to directly apply to QQI for a certification fee refund. Further information regarding QQI certification fees and the waiver process can be found on the SOLAS website.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

253. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason SOLAS requires Safe Pass, CSCS and QSCS card holders to be reassessed when they are renewing their respective cards within the allocated time periods in view of a High Court decision in 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5568/19]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The High Court decision in 2017, which the Deputy refers to, relates to the renewal of CSCS and QSCS cards only and made no reference to Safe Pass registration cards. Since this decision SOLAS no longer requires applicants who wish to renew their CSCS and QSCS cards to complete reassessments or to provide statements of relevant experience. Renewals for these CSCS and QSCS cards are now on the basis of the applicant completing a renewal application form, providing an up to date photograph and a renewal fee.

This judgement was challenged in relation to the Safe Pass registration card and SOLAS’ right to set terms for the renewal of these cards. This matter was specifically clarified in the High Court in May 2017 which found that the order had no application in relation to the Safe Pass registration card.

Safe Pass is a broader programme of health and safety training that applies to all construction workers. The Safe Pass Programme is continually developed in line with international best practice to ensure the content of the programme is current, fit for purpose and keeps abreast of changes in safety legislation, developing best practice in safe behaviour on site and the ever changing profile of the workforce and work environment in the construction industry. A valid Safe Pass card can only be obtained upon successful completion of the Safe Pass Safety Awareness training programme. It is a condition of renewal of the registration card that participants must update their safety awareness training every four years, which is fully supported by all partners within the construction sector.