Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
471. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to put in place an equivalence system for construction skills certification scheme qualifications for persons returning from England who want to exchange their CITB plant operator tickets for Solas issued tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33208/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs from 1st January 2021, individuals seeking recognition of UK qualifications in order to acquire Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) or Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS) cards are subject to the same conditions as all other third country applications. Work is ongoing in relation to the potential for an agreed comparable qualification exchange process for UK and Irish qualifications and the relevant information and requirements will be updated if an agreement is reached.
Pending any agreement SOLAS, in its role as Competent Authority, has a streamlined application route for applicants that are seeking a CSCS/QSCS card and who currently hold a UK qualification. Applicants seeking recognition of their UK qualification are required to submit a detailed CV, including reference(s) from previous employers confirming the applicant's work experience, a copy of their valid Operator Card and associated certification to SOLAS at RPQ@solas.ie. All UK qualification recognition applications are reviewed on an individual basis.
