I propose to take Questions Nos. 1154, 1155, 1156 and 1157 together.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), established under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act, is an independent regulator accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas. Among its functions, the CRU is responsible for the qualifying criteria for the Qualified Certifier (QC) scheme under Safe Electric.
The Electrical Instrumentation apprenticeship programme is one of 25 craft apprenticeships available nationally. SOLAS guidance on this apprenticeship notes that, on completion of this four-year programme, apprentices become fully qualified electrical instrumentation craftspeople, with an NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Craft – Electrical Instrumentation.
SOLAS have engaged with CRU regarding the Electrical Instrumentation apprenticeship. The CRU, having reviewed the curriculum for the Level 6 Electrical Instrumentation apprenticeship, have stated that those with that qualification do not qualify for the Qualified Certifier scheme with Safe Electric. SOLAS are continuing to engage with CRU regarding the possible development of a bridging course which, upon completion, will render Electrical Instrumentation-qualified individuals eligible for registration under the Safe Electric QC scheme.
In regard to the Build Back Home campaign, my Department is leading on a number of initiatives to address the skills gap in construction, including a campaign aimed at Irish construction workers abroad who are considering returning home. The campaign was developed following feedback from Irish construction workers abroad, that skills they developed abroad may not be valued at home. The final campaign was evaluated among Irish construction workers abroad prior to launch and tested positively.
