Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
390. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether every new candidate will have to hold QQI certification as part of the new licence system for construction workers; and if so, if Solas and QQI will reimburse those who have to pay for the course and certification, including any wages lost for the time taken to complete the course. [26848/23]
View answerUnder the current model, trainees who successfully complete a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) or Quarries Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS) programme receive QQI accreditation and a CSCS/QSCS card.
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.
It is proposed as part of the licensing system that new candidates who are carrying out any of the scheduled activities under the Construction Safety Licensing Bill will not have to hold QQI certification.
The Bill, once enacted, will provide for the establishment of a licensing authority to oversee the new licensing system, including the renewal and reassessment of licences for workers. 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 or 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, and a person must then apply for a licence to replace this card.
SOLAS will not be making any reimbursements for associated costs and salaries.
The Construction Safety Licensing Bill, as initiated, can be found here: data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2023/24/eng/initiated/b2423d.pdf.
