Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2024
143. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department will implement to address the potential conflict of interest arising from SOLAS acting in dual roles as both a regulator and competitor in the field of safety training. [39716/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSOLAS is the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training in Ireland. SOLAS manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes including Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Skills to Advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund. SOLAS also manages the Safe Pass Health and Safety Awareness Training Programme, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS).
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the national body in Ireland with responsibility for occupational health and safety. The HSA reports to the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail under delegated authority from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Having consulted with the HSA on this matter, the HSA is of the opinion that there is no conflict of interest as SOLAS is not a statutory regulator.
As SOLAS is an agency of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, any issues, including potential conflicts of interest in carrying out their duties, would be a matter for them to consider.
