Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 1163 of 19 January 2022, if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to the proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8458/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Last year, Government approved the development of a licensing model for individuals working on certain construction and quarrying related activities, replacing the existing construction and quarrying skills certification schemes. Government also approved the drafting of the general scheme of a bill to establish the model. 

Work is underway on this, with a stakeholder consultation process currently ongoing. Consequently, there are currently no details available regarding any systematic changes for the CSCS and QSCS qualifications. The current CSCS and QSCS system is operating as normal and will not change until the new licensing system is in operation.

In relation to SafePass, SOLAS is continuing to work on the development of an alternative online training and assessment delivery model which is equitable with existing construction skills course delivery in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity.

First time applicants for SafePass will be required to complete face to face training and assessment as per the current practice, with a choice of online or face-to-face delivery for those renewing their SafePass cards. There are currently no plans to integrate the CSCS or the QSCS system into this delivery model.