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]

I 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.