Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
156. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation to the Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023, which is partly intended to replace the current accredited training model (details supplied), he can confirm that following the passing of this Bill, the QSCS and CSCS training accreditation will be de-certified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50049/23]
View answerThe Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023 provides for a new and comprehensive framework for the licensing of certain construction, quarrying and related activities in Ireland.
Following an independent review of SOLAS’s Construction Services Unit in 2017 and subsequent consultation with public sector, industry, and staff representatives, all stakeholders agreed that the recommendations of the review would be adopted, including moving to a licensing system for certain construction and quarrying activities.
Awarding of the CSCS and QSCS cards is linked to QQI certification. However, unlike a lifelong educational qualification, the CSCS and QSCS schemes relate to evidence of a cardholder’s skills to complete a task in a manner that does not put others or themselves at risk. These skills need to be kept current and are therefore better suited to a licensing type model, which would include formal renewal and Competency Professional Development processes.
As outlined in the draft Bill that was amended at Committee Stage in May 2023, activities that are currently covered by CSCS and QSCS and administered by QQI as certificates for life, will move to a new licensing model under the Bill.
The Bill, once enacted, will provide for the establishment of a licensing authority to oversee the new licensing model, including the renewal and reassessment of licences for workers and tutors. This will replace the current QQI accreditation model.
A transition period will be in place for those who currently hold CSCS or QSCS cards. It is proposed that a CSCS and QSCS card will remain valid for a period of 5 years beginning from when the relevant section in the Bill is enacted or until the card’s expiry date, whichever is the earlier, and a person must then apply for a licence to replace this card.
The most recent version of the Bill, as amended at Committee Stage, can be found here: data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2023/24/eng/ver_a/b24a23d.pdf.
