Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
363. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation the scaffolding construction training programme he launched in July 2022, he can confirm whether this course is currently recognised in accordance with Schedule 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulation 2013 (SI No 291 / 2013); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33210/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 require that certain construction workers carrying out safety critical tasks must complete Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training. On successful completion, workers are issued with a CSCS Card which demonstrates their competency. Two scaffolding activities require CSCS training: Scaffolding – basic and Scaffolding – advanced.
Separately, for several years, it was recognised that there was a labour and skills gap in the scaffolding industry sector. I am delighted that we now have an apprenticeship on offer for this important skill-set. The programme is 2 years in length and the first apprentices are due to graduate later this year.
It has been identified that, under the current regulations, qualified scaffolding apprentices would be required to submit to a CSCS assessment in order to obtain the CSCS Card that will allow them to work on-site.
Currently, the existing arrangements for scheduled activities are being revised. The skills, training, and assessment for all construction activities currently covered by the existing 2013 regulations, and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008, will be updated under the Construction Safety Licensing Bill. The Bill is expected to be enacted at the end of 2023.
While the scaffolding apprenticeship is currently a recognised apprenticeship qualification, this Bill creates the potential for it to be included as a scheduled activity under this licensing model.
It has been noted that there is a time lag between the timing of the first apprenticeship graduates and the enactment of the Bill, and as a result, SOLAS has engaged extensively with the CIF, SIPTU, and the HSA to resolve this matter.
I am pleased to advise you that SOLAS, together with the LOETB, will take each apprentice through a Recognition of Prior Learning process in order to ensure that those scaffolding apprentices graduating in December 2023 obtain their CSCS card.
