Written Answers Nos. 470-471
470. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify whether SOLAS plans to increase the duration of machinery-related training courses; if so, the assessment that has been made of the impact on employers who must release and pay staff while attending such training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31779/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of the training necessary to ensure machinery is operated in a safe manner.
Officials from my Department are continuing to work on the development of the Construction Safety Licensing Bill. The Bill will put in place a framework to protect the health and safety of the construction and quarrying workforce, and those who work alongside them, by ensuring that workers are properly trained, competent and safe to carry out their roles.
Initially, the framework will cover the activities that are covered by the current Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme. These activities may change as new technologies are adopted by the sector.
I am mindful of the national mission of housing and infrastructure delivery and the urgency attaching to same. In that context, it is important that any new regulation are added when they are demonstrably adding value and in detailed consultation with the sector on the most efficient and non-disruptive method of their application.
In this context I have asked my officials to engage with the industry prior to the construction safety licensing bill progressing to the next stage.
The results of this process will be very valuable in determining the appropriate level of training and assessment to achieve the stated objective, while considering the impact on the sector.
471. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a detailed progress report on the learner centre proposed for the Munster Technological University to be located in the north campus in Tralee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31684/26]
View answerThe Technological Sector Strategic Projects Programme (TSSPP) was established to strengthen the technological sector by supporting additional capacity and delivering core infrastructure improvements including research and innovation activity.
Munster Technological University has two proposals progressing under the TSSPP - the combined extension of the D and A Blocks at the Cork campus and the development of Kerry Campus Learner Centre at the Tralee Campus. Both proposals have progressed through Approval Gate 1 to the next stage which is Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy.
MTU are proposing a development of a new Student Services and Administration Building on their Tralee campus. The circa 3,490m2 new build will accommodate student support services, academic administration services, corporate services and catering facilities on their North Campus. An additional 458 FTE learners are proposed to be accommodated as a result of this project.
A design team has been appointed to the project and the Higher Education Authority continues to engage with MTU Kerry on Preliminary Business Case refinement and detailed design.
Supporting learners across all regions, including those in Kerry, remains a top priority for my department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet their needs.
