Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1166. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the removal of the colour vision test for apprentice plumbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71647/25]
View answerCurrently, 14 apprenticeship programmes require candidates to pass the Ishihara colour vision test, a standard diagnostic test for colour vision deficiency (CVD), before starting training. This has been the case throughout the lifetime of the standards-based apprenticeship approach, which was introduced in the 1990s. There is currently no exemption from this requirement, as all apprenticeships are national programmes, delivered and administered to a common national standard.
The following are the affected apprenticeship programmes:
• Painting and Decorating
• Plumbing
• Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting
• Aircraft Mechanic
• Electrical
• Electrical Instrumentation
• Electronic Security Systems
• Instrumentation
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Agricultural Mechanics
• Motor Mechanics
• Construction Plant Fitting
• Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
• Vehicle Body Repairs.
SOLAS commissioned an independent report to consider this issue, which has now been completed. Following consideration of this report and its recommendations, SOLAS has advised my Department that it will revise the requirements for colour vision testing in early 2026, and that details of this change will be communicated clearly to employers and other key stakeholders before the end of the year.
