Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Questions (417)

Paul Murphy

Question:

417. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timescale for the introduction of online safe pass renewal; and the reason for the delay. [60351/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Under 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 relevant Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card).

SOLAS is actively pursuing the activation of an online assessment option for the renewal of Safe Pass cards. In keeping with procurement procedures and government guidelines SOLAS went to tender for this service in June 2021. Following the completion of the tender process and in keeping with tender timelines the appointment of a successful candidate/organisation is expected to be completed in January 2022.