Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
600. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he expects SOLAS to make its classes, including those for the Safe Pass card, available for remote learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7303/21]
View answerUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, craft and general construction workers, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card). In March 2020 the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation amended these regulations to extend the expiry dates of valid Safe Pass cards due to expire after 1 March 2020 for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency period.
The delivery of Safe Pass courses is currently suspended in accordance with public health measures and SOLAS is actively examining alternative delivery methods. It is necessary to ensure that any alternative delivery model is equitable with existing Safe Pass, CSCS and QSCS course delivery, in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity.
