MEP brings forward proposal for Safe Pass training for TY students

Transition Year pupils across the midlands are to have the opportunity to obtain Safe Pass certification for free, a saving of €205 apiece.

A pilot Safe Pass training programme was launched at the Kilglass Training Centre, Strokestown and the intention is that from September, the programme will be extended across the midlands using EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) resources, Independent Ireland Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly said.

The roll-out of the programme, which will equip transition year students with essential health and safety certifications, is to help encourage greater participation in the construction sector with a view to addressing Ireland’s housing crisis.

The pilot scheme was spearheaded by Selina Galvin, project manager at JF Hanley Ltd, in collaboration with Shannon Valley Ltd and training provider NCTS Ltd. It was officially launched by Minister of State Marian Harkin.

"This is precisely the type of training initiative we need on a national basis," said Mr Mullooly, adding that he has held discussions with education and training boards in the midlands and the Technological University of Shannon: "We will now explore ways to utilise Just Transition funding to roll out this training for up to 20,000 transition year students over the next 12 months, starting this September."