I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 112 together.
In general, the implementation of the EU Construction Products Regulation, (CPR), which sets out requirements regarding the CE Mark for Structural Steel, is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (D/ECLG). I understand that officials in that Department have worked with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the industry was aware of, and prepared for, the implementation of the Construction Products Regulation in Ireland. I also understand that a significant number of steel fabricators operating in the State have already established the systems necessary to comply with their obligations under the Construction Products Regulation and, more specifically, the requirements of I.S. EN 1090-1. D/ECLG remains committed to working with all stakeholders in order to continue to raise awareness and facilitate the implementation of the Construction Products Regulation in Ireland.
With regard to your specific question concerning the educational/training courses provided by SOLAS for steel fabricators to meet the requirements of I.S. EN 1090-1, the programmes provided by SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are primarily targeted at unemployed people who are generally referred to programmes by the Department of Social Protection. I understand that the ETBs in Cork, Dundalk, Galway, Shannon, Tralee and Waterford provide metal fabrication apprenticeship training, which incorporates elements of certification training.
Skillnets, on the other hand, is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills and funds groups of companies in the same region/sector, and with similar training needs, through training networks that deliver subsidised training to Irish businesses. It may therefore be beneficial for steel fabricator companies to explore what economies of scale might be achieved for companies seeking the same upskilling in the same area. There are no subsidies or grants available or envisaged to meet the requirements of the CPR or I.S. EN 1090-1.
The role of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) is to provide information to small and micro firms and to signpost them to relevant agencies/bodies for training and certification. The provision of the specialist technical training required to achieve certification to an International or European Standard, such as that required by steel fabricators in this instance, is outside of the remit of the LEO services. However, to date, the LEOs - in conjunction with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) - have provided five general awareness/information seminars on the topic at various venues around the country.
In view of the NSAI’s final certification role, and given the roles and responsibilities of other Departments and agencies, my Department has discussed the requirements of the CPR with the relevant Departments and agencies i.e. Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Department of Education and Skills, the LEOs and the NSAI. Based on the information provided, my Department has devised a step-by-step guide on the current training provision in the public education sector. The guide is available on my Department’s website under ‘Latest Publications/Notices’ and has been distributed to the LEO network and to the relevant Departments for uploading on their websites.
The guide is tailored for those steel fabricator firms affected by the two key areas requiring action i.e. Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) and Factory Production Control (FPC) under Execution Class 2 (commercial and residential buildings). Further courses can be provided depending on the level of demand from firms. In relation to FPC training, this is only available through consultants. However, as part of their information provision and advisory role, the LEOs may be able to organise group training between firms and consultants. Firms should enquire about this through their local LEO office. In addition, the newly-formed Irish Association of Steel Fabricators has a website with useful information in relation to the CPR requirements including weld testing to meet the I.S. EN 1090-1 requirements.
NSAI has undertaken the accreditation requirements to enable it to act as a notified body under the CPR. More detailed information on the certification assessment process is available on the NSAI website at http://www.nsai.ie/Steel-Fabrication-CE-Marking.aspx, including clarification about which products are covered by standard I.S. EN 1090 and a helpful pre-audit questionnaire to facilitate preliminary assessment by affected businesses.
