Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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460. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address an issue with regard to Safe Pass online courses which may slow the number of applicants successfully obtaining a Safe Pass; and if he is aware that there are 500 possible Safe Pass questions and no written information booklet for applicants to revise. [7194/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The alternative online option for the renewal of a Safe Pass card went live on the 1st of February 2023. This option allows a candidate to book a test on a date and time of their choice, at a designated test centre that suits them. They can pay for the test by debit or credit card, or their employer can purchase a voucher for them through the Pearson VUE voucher store. The cost of the test is €93.84 which includes the cost of the card.

Candidates have access to the official questions and answers booklet containing the full 500 questions and answers for the test in order to prepare for the test. This is available to download on the revision tab in their SOLAS online account and it is strongly advised that candidates study the questions to ensure they can pass the test. Candidates also have access to Self-Directed Learning Guides under each module and additional safety videos, toolbox talks, links to legislation and codes of practice.

This process is an additional option to the current tutor led course which continues to have capacity to meet and exceed demand. In this regard 125,141 candidates obtained their Safe Pass card by availing of the tutor led programme in 2022.

The provision of an alternative option will complement the already successfully proven tutor led delivery option and will not slow the delivery of Safe Pass.