Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the introduction of a national trade licensing system for construction workers and contractors, similar to the model used in Australia, to enhance accountability, safety, and quality assurance across the building industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61777/25]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising the important issues of accountability, safety and quality assurance across the building sector.

In term of introducing any regulatory structure, such as a licensing system that the Deputy suggests, consideration must be given to the method used to achieve the policy objective while being cognisant of the regulatory burden that may be placed on any sector of our society, to ensure that the optimal outcome is achieved.

In this context, officials from my Department are working on developing the provisions of the Construction Safety Licensing Bill. This legislation will introduce a licensing model for workers who carry out specific activities deemed to be of a hazardous nature. It is primarily concerned with workers who are using plant equipment, as well as other specified activities, and their need to demonstrate, through training and assessment, ongoing competence to practice.

These workers will be required to undergo training to ensure that they have the required skills to carry out those activities in a competent manner, thereby reducing the risk to themselves and those around them. The legislation will also require licensed workers to update their training periodically.

However, this is only one part of the wider occupational safety and health landscape.

On the issue of quality and workforce standards more generally, it is worth noting that the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 provides for the determination by a registration body, to be known as the Construction Industry Registration Body, of the standards and competence required of providers of building works. This will encompass further construction sector workers and require their adherence to specified standards.

The overarching issue of workplace safety falls under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 and any regulations arising from that Act.

Mindful of this broader landscape, my officials are working to advance the Construction Safety Licensing Bill to ensure that the training and assessment for specified workers reflects ongoing safety needs for the activities in question.

It is in this manner that the Construction Safety Licensing Bill will contribute significantly to the issues raised by the Deputy.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the establishment of a dedicated construction training board to address skills shortages and promote continuous professional development across the construction sector with a view to improving quality, safety, and workforce standards in line with national housing and infrastructure targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61778/25]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This Government is focused on equipping Ireland’s workforce with the skills needed to deliver new housing, drive retrofitting projects, and meet infrastructural priorities under the National Development Plan.

The job of addressing pressing skills needs must be a collaborative effort and my Department works with sectoral partners, such as SOLAS, the National Construction Training Campus, Skillnet Ireland, Education and Training Boards (ETBs), and industry representatives to increase skills supply.

Workers are needed across different skills levels, including apprenticeship. A Government priority is to ensure that the apprenticeship system is well equipped to continue to grow, respond to the skills needs of industry, and adapt to workforce challenges.

In Budget 2026 my Department secured a €79 million additional investment in apprenticeships, the highest core apprenticeship funding since the Department’s formation. Since 2020, we have more than doubled the investment in apprenticeships –by 123% - bringing the total annual current budget to over €410 million.

I am happy to say that increased funding combined with high employer demand for apprenticeships is bearing fruit.

Annual registrations in craft apprenticeships have risen by 63%, from 4,377 in 2020 to 7,113 in 2024. Over the same period, the total number of craft apprentices has grown by 45%, from 17,183 to 24,974. This underpins the value of this training route at a time of near-full employment and high demand for construction skills.

My Department is committed to developing a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship to cover the period 2026-2030. This Action Plan will seek to update current apprenticeship policy to reflect present and anticipated challenges within Ireland’s apprenticeship environment. The development of the Action Plan, which is a Programme for Government commitment, will recognise Government priorities such as the National Development Plan, Housing for All and the Climate Action Plan.

The quality of the education of our apprentices received is of paramount importance. I have directed the transfer of curriculum, assessment, and validation roles for craft apprenticeships to be reassigned from SOLAS/QQI to education providers. These changes will enhance quality and relevance by aligning responsibility with delivery. Quality will be a key pillar in the next apprenticeship strategy.

My Department will be launching a public consultation shortly to seek the views of all stakeholders on how the apprentice system can be improved, made more inclusive, and better aligned with national skills needs.

The provision of ongoing training and upskilling for those working in construction is closely linked to the greater adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). It is widely acknowledged that in order to meet Ireland’s ambitious targets for housing, climate action and infrastructure delivery, the construction sector must adopt new technologies and processes, including off-site construction, digital tools, and innovative materials. MMC skills are a key enabler for this shift.

My Department has published a comprehensive, cross-sector Action Plan to support the greater adoption of MMC. This was developed in consultation with key partners and supports the transition to MMC across the construction supply chain.

We are also overseeing the development of the National Demonstration Park for MMC, a deliverable in Housing for All. The Park is located at the National Construction Training Campus, under Laois Offaly ETB, and will provide an accessible flagship location for MMC demonstration and specialist training.

In relation to climate needs, these are also a core part of the skills response. SOLAS has published Green Skills 2030, the first national FET strategy for the green economy, and an associated implementation plan. These provide the framework for the FET sector to respond to skills requirements emerging from a wide range of climate policies and identifies how the sector can directly meet the resulting skills needs, including in relation to construction.

Other green construction training initiatives include a suite of ETB-delivered FET micro-qualifications, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling in sustainability awareness, resource efficiency, circular economy, sustainable lean practices, sustainable supply chain management and eco-driving.

Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and retrofit training, essential for achieving Government targets of 500,000 domestic retrofits by 2030, is delivered through SOLAS’ Centre of Excellence network. There have been over 17,600 enrolments since the first centre opened in 2020. The centres offer free and flexible short, targeted courses.

Finally, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) provides for the training, assessment, certification and registration of non-craft operatives, providing the knowledge and skills needed for varied occupations within the construction sector. 26,644 CSCS cards were issued in 2024 alone.

On the issue of quality and workforce standards more generally, it is worth noting that the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 provides for the determination by a registration body, to be known as the Construction Industry Registration Body, of the standards and competence required of providers of building works. This will encompass further construction sector workers and require their adherence to specified standards. The overarching issue of workplace safety falls under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act of 2005 and any regulations arising from that Act.

Mindful of this broader landscape, my officials are working to advance the Construction Safety Licensing Bill to ensure that the training and assessment for specified workers reflects ongoing safety needs for the activities in question.

I remain committed to ensuring that the education and training system is robust, responsive, and ready to meet the evolving skills needs of Ireland’s economy.

Whilst the establishment of a separate construction training board has not been part of conversations to date, I trust that the above information has assured the Deputy that all of the partners are working productively and collaboratively to address skills provision that the construction industry alone cannot resolve.