Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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2698. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the avenues currently available to individuals who are unable to meet the entry requirements for the MTSLEB apprenticeship electrician programmes due to a colour vision deficiency, specifically, those who do not pass the Ishihara colour vision test; if his Department, in consultation with relevant bodies, is considering revisions to the colour vision criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45223/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Fourteen apprenticeships currently have colour vision as a requirement. This means prospective apprentices must pass the Ishihara colour vision test, a standard diagnostic test for colour vision deficiency (CVD), without the use of corrective lenses. This has been the case throughout the lifetime of the standards-based apprenticeship approach, which was introduced in the 1990s. There is currently no exemption from this requirement, as all apprenticeships are national programmes, delivered and administered to a common national standard. The following are the affected crafts: Painting and Decorating, Plumbing, Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting, Aircraft Mechanic, Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation, Electronic Security Systems, Instrumentation, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Agricultural Mechanics, Motor Mechanics, Construction Plant Fitting, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, and Vehicle Body Repairs.

Given the advancement of available aids since the introduction of this requirement, SOLAS are commissioning a further independent review of the current requirements around CVD. This review will involve consulting with relevant independent professionals on best practice in other jurisdictions, with the preferred outcome being that the apprenticeship programmes may become more accessible to all. A final report is expected in Q3 2025, which will allow a decision to be made on the use of corrective lenses in some, or all trades.