101. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when Safe Pass courses are expected to resume as part of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. [7263/20]

104. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether urgent consideration should be given to resume Safe Pass courses delivered by SOLAS in view of the fact the construction industry has resumed activity under phase 1 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7449/20]

105. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Skills when SOLAS will resume Safe Pass training courses. [7499/20]

108. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Safe Pass training has resumed; the date for it to resume; and if Safe Passes that have expired have been extended. [8095/20]

191. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills when providers of Safe Pass courses can start to provide courses to new entrants to the sector who have not had a Safe Pass certificate before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7594/20]

238. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of contingencies for persons whose Safe Pass has expired and who require one to return to work (details supplied). [7872/20]

291. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if those whose Safe Pass is due to expire before full reopening will be extended to cover the same period in view of current restrictions and health advice regarding social distancing. [8153/20]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 104, 105, 108, 191, 238 and 291 together.

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, construction workers in Ireland are legally bound to hold a valid Safe Pass Registration Card. The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation recently amended these regulations to extend the validity of Safe Pass cards with an expiration date after the 1st March 2020 for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency period.

The delivery of Safe Pass courses is currently suspended in accordance with public health measures. SOLAS has examined the potential for online delivery as a means of continuing national construction health and safety courses while adhering to public health measures. No immediate solution has been identified that is equitable with the existing Safe Pass course delivery model, in being accessible to all eligible workers, provides real time course participants supports (literacy and numeracy) and interpreter services, as well as ensuring assessment integrity.

The timeline for return of Safe Pass training is under consideration, informed by public health advice. Contingency plans are also being put in place to support delivery of Safe Pass training within health and social distancing guidelines once restrictions are lifted.