Ó An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today (3 February 2023) welcomed the official launch of Safe Pass Renewal online.
Safe Pass Renewal was announced by Minister Harris in December 2022 in line with Housing for All objectives to reduce barriers to careers in construction. Wednesday marked the launch of the live online renewal system on the SOLAS website. Safe Pass Renewal removes the need to take a full day off work, and significantly reduces waiting times for current card holders.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “I am delighted that Safe Pass Renewal is officially live and available to current Safe Pass card holders. They now have the opportunity to renew their cards in a quick, efficient and streamlined manner.
"This initiative is an important milestone in my department’s response to Housing for All as it works to remove barriers and increase participation in, and engagement with, our construction sector.
"In addition, the cost to renew online is half the cost of an in-person assessment and only takes 45 minutes, meaning our workers won’t miss out on a day’s wages."
Safe Pass Renewal is a self-directed learning model, where candidates can access revision material and undertake the test in a registered and controlled test centre. Safe Pass Renewal assessments will take place in one of 30 approved Pearson VUE exam centres which are located throughout the country.
The online renewal costs €93.84 and consists of 50 multiple choice questions to be answered within 45 minutes. Following a review of the Safe Pass Renewal process, the Questions and Answers Booklet fee of €12 has now been waived, furthering the cost-effectiveness of this option to those looking to renew. Card holders can still continue to renew their cards through the existing tutor lead programme delivered in a classroom setting, if they wish to do so.
Minister Harris added:
"I’d like to reiterate my thanks to all stakeholders who assisted us in developing Safe Pass Renewal and bringing it on stream. SOLAS, CIF Trade Unions and members of the Construction Industry Advisory Group have all been crucial in the development of this initiative."
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said:
"I am pleased to welcome this new streamlined system which will benefit and support the broader construction sector and enable a faster, more cost-efficient method to renew Safe Pass cards for all workers in construction.
"Safe Pass has been a vital cornerstone in safeguarding the health and safety of our construction sector for many years now.
"This important step forward will provide an alternative model that reduces costs, days off site, and time for workers who hold a Safe Pass card.
"Lots more information about this new system and Safe Pass itself can be found online at www.solas.ie/safepass."