Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

470. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applicants currently awaiting the renewal of their safe pass registration card; the way in which the matter will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31161/20]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Safe Pass, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS) courses were included in Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Safe Pass courses restarted on 11^thJune 2020 under strictly controlled Covid-19 precaution measures.

Since that date SOLAS has issued 28,815 Safe Pass cards. Comprising 10,325 new entrants, and 18,490 renewal cards. 52,497 Safe Pass cards expired between 1^stMarch and 13^thOctober. 40,833 of those expired cards still retain an expired card status.

The Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) introduced a legislative provision for Safe Pass cards that expired after 1^stMarch, extending their period of validity to the end of the Covid-19 emergency period. This provision remains in force at the current time, however workers with expired cards are advised to renew their cards as soon as possible to prevent a significant backlog accruing.

SOLAS is also actively examining alternative delivery methods to identify a solution that is equitable with existing Safe Pass course delivery, in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity.