Education and Training Boards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021

Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Questions (748)

Duncan Smith

Question:

748. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the ETB will consider a request for forklift training (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16626/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Niall Collins)

Under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, there is an obligation on employers to provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health, and welfare at work of his or her employees. The specific requirements for the training of lift trucks’ operators is set out in the Code of Practice - Rider-operated lift trucks: operator training (2001) and Supplementary Guidance published by the Health and Safety Authority.

Forklift training is not included in the Construction Regulations 2013 and in particular in schedule 5 which relates to SOLAS's Construction Skills Certification Scheme. There is no requirement for forklift training to be recognised by SOLAS or the ETBs for the purposes of access to education and training or a qualification.

If the Deputy could provide further details on the issue and whether the acceptability of the qualification relates to health and safety for employment within the ETB or delivery of education and training then I will have my officials investigate further.