Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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378. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64320/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Currently, 14 apprenticeship programmes require candidates to pass the Ishihara colour vision test, a standard diagnostic test for colour vision deficiency (CVD), before starting training. 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.

To examine this matter, SOLAS commissioned an independent report which has now been completed. This review involved consulting with relevant independent professionals on best practice, with the preferred outcome being that the apprenticeship programmes may become more accessible to all. A final report has been received by SOLAS and has been considered by its board. My officials are actively engaging with SOLAS on the matter and an update is expected soon.