John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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712. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the position of current apprenticeships in electrical instrumentation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4028/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Electrical apprenticeship and the Instrumentation apprenticeship are both available as individual NFQ level 6 apprenticeships. The level 6 Electrical Instrumentation apprenticeship is not a dual apprenticeship but combines elements of the Electrical and the Instrumentation apprenticeships, developed specifically to suit the requirements of employers in industrial (factory) settings.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was established under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and appointed by the Minister for Environment, Communications and Climate. In their capacity as the independent energy regulator CRU are responsible for setting out the qualifying criteria for the Qualified Certifier scheme with Safe Electric.

The CRU, having reviewed the curriculum for the Level 6 Electrical Instrumentation apprenticeship have stated that those with that qualification do not qualify for the Qualified Certifier scheme with Safe Electric.

The National Apprenticeship Office is engaging with the CRU to explore whether further training could be put in place for Electrical Instrumentation apprentices to gain Qualified Certifier status, should they wish to do so.