Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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507. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure no further examinations for future apprentices are leaked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62406/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The leaking of exam papers is completely unacceptable and it is a matter that I am taking very seriously.

I have met with the CEOs of SOLAS and QQI as well as the Board of SOLAS on this matter.

I have sought advice from the Attorney General, and asked SOLAS and QQI to consider if, given the information in their possession, the matter of leaked exam papers should be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation. In the case of any exam breach, SOLAS is prepared to take all necessary action, in line with the SOLAS Craft Apprenticeship Assessment Rules which contains the procedures for the investigation of security breaches. Investigations by SOLAS since late 2024 into a very small number of potential exam paper leaks has resulted in the withdrawal of compromised papers, and circulation of replacements. SOLAS has taken measures to ensure against future security breaches.

My priority was ensuring that the public can have confidence in the safety of electrical work carried out by qualified electricians. An independent review of the craft electrical programme has been conducted by City of Glasgow College which confirmed that assessments do reliably identify those not meeting required standards, and that the programme’s structure includes adequate safeguards to detect any circumvention of earlier assessments. This confirms that there are no health and safety issues arising from this matter and all qualified electricians are capable of performing their tasks competently and safely.

Furthermore, I have directed the transfer of curriculum and assessment responsibilities from SOLAS and QQI to education providers. This reassignment will strengthen craft apprenticeship quality and currency by placing the responsibility for quality assurance with those directly responsible for delivery and upholding academic standards, leveraging existing strengths across the tertiary education system.

Finally, Quality and Qualifications Ireland has conducted a focused review into the electrical apprenticeship, with its recommendations fully accepted by SOLAS, and a quality improvement plan agreed which will safeguard the quality of all craft apprenticeships into the future.