1499. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SOLAS was allowed to give exam papers to apprentices on modules that were not covered (details supplied). [64786/26]

SOLAS is the state agency responsible for further education and training and is aware of concerns raised regarding the high failure rate of apprentices in recent Phase 4 and Phase 6 electrical theory assessments.

Both Minister Harkin and I have been actively engaging with SOLAS, the relevant higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to assess the impact of these matters. Throughout these discussions, ensuring fairness, maintaining the integrity of the assessment process and supporting the welfare of apprentices have been the priority.

As part of quality improvement processes, new assessments were introduced for phases 4 and 6 of the electrical apprenticeship in term 3, 2026. These assessments have been developed and quality assured through established academic processes and are designed to assess the required learning outcomes. While the Phase 4 and Phase 6 theory papers were aligned to the course curriculum, SOLAS has examined if changes in question style and format without samples of new format examination papers may have had an impact on assessment preparation for some apprentices.

An independent review was commissioned by SOLAS which found that the assessment content reflected the approved curriculum; however, it found a number of issues with Theory Paper 1 in both phase 4 & 6 which may have impacted the ability of apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge fully.

In response to these findings, SOLAS took the decision to apply a post-mark adjustment (PMA) to Theory Paper 1 results. The PMA was applied using a statistical model to all results including to those who passed the exam. No PMA was applied for Theory Paper 2 results.

While apprentices have a limited number of times they are allowed sit an exam, due to the circumstances described above, the June sitting will not be considered as one of these attempts.

Repeat exams have been arranged for the 15th and 16th September with further sittings to be arranged for November. Training providers held assessment preparation workshops for these exams during the week of 7–11 September.

During this process SOLAS has updated learners regularly through direct communications and published notices on the apprentieship.ie website on the following dates: 16 July 2026, 24 July 2026, 21 August 2026 and 27 August 2026.