Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has called on the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to immediately introduce online training for construction workers to obtain or renew Safe Pass cards.
The cards are a mandatory requirement for workers to show that they have undertaken a health and safety course and that they have knowledge and competence of safety regulations and procedures on construction sites.
Minister Canney said: “At present courses are delivered in a classroom setting but with social distancing restrictions this is no longer possible.
“We already have online training courses in COVID-19, which is confirmed on completion by phone app.
“Clearly we have the technology to deliver the Safe Pass cards online as well.
“It would be a very welcome development to help first-time construction workers to get their Safe Pass and to assist existing workers to renew their cards, which are valid for two years.
“The move would also help people returning to Ireland to get their Safe Pass in order to work.
“It is imperative that we use our digital capability to overcome the challenges arising from COVID-19.
“This is one problem that can be resolved quickly and at very little expense. We need to do this so we can keep people employed in the construction sector without any delays.”

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
May 21 2020