Written answers

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Construction Regulations

Photo of Darren O'RourkeDarren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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475. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of construction workers who have been refused return to work due to the fact their Safe Pass expired before 1 March 2020; the way in which the matter will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9277/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised by the Deputy in relation to the impact of the expiration of safe pass cards is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. The Safe Pass construction safety awareness scheme is developed, managed and maintained by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills.

The Department of Education and Skills and SOLAS took the decision to suspend the provision of Safe Pass training around 20 March due to COVID-19 public health concerns.  At the request of the Department of Education and Skills, and SOLAS, my Department amended the Construction Regulations so as to extend the period of validity of all existing SOLAS Safe Pass cards issued from 1st March 2016 beyond their current expiry date until such a time as Safe Pass training is available from SOLAS again.  The date of 1 March 2016 was used as the Safe Pass card is valid for a four-year period, so the people most immediately affected by the suspension of training by SOLAS are those whose “four year card” was due to expire from 1 March 2020 onwards.  

With the re-opening of the Construction Sector in Phase one of the Government’s Roadmap a lot of queries have arisen as to when SOLAS will resume the provision of Safe Pass training especially from people who did not renew their cards prior to 1 March, but also including new entrances to the sector and companies seeking oversea contractors to work on specialist projects to install plant.   

Only SOLAS, in conjunction with their parent Department, the Department of Education and Skills, can decide on the resumption of Safe Pass training which will facilitate the people whose card expired prior to 1 March 2020.  I understand that the matter is under active consideration in the Department of Education and Skills.

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