Bríd Smith condemns Safe Pass price gouging for construction workers

Bríd Smith criticised the increase in Safe Pass course fees, saying the course was farmed out to independent commercial entities and prices have more than doubled since March 2020. She called the practice "price gouging" and asked the Taoiseach whether the course will be brought back into education through ETBs and Sullis.

Safe Pass cost increases

She told the Dáil that under the programme for government there is a commitment to overhaul building standards, and noted that Sullis under the Department of Education had farmed out the Safe Pass course to independent commercial entities. She said the cost of the Safe Pass has risen from €80 to between €160 and €200 during the Covid crisis, and can be as high as €250 if delivered through a third language.

Allegation of price gouging

Bríd Smith described the fee rises as "price gouging at its best" and said the increased cost is inhibiting young workers from getting access to jobs on building sites. She argued the cost should not be prohibitive for participants who are anxious to get work and enable themselves to work on sites.

Government response sought

She asked the Taoiseach what the Government intends to do about the practice and whether the Safe Pass course will be taken back into education provision through the ETBs and Sullis. In reply the Taoiseach said he would pursue the issue and investigate to see if the claims stand up and would check that out.

Impact on workers and training provision

Smith framed the issue as affecting essential and young workers seeking employment in construction, stressing the longer-term problem of commercialisation of mandatory safety training. Her remarks linked concerns about training access, Covid-era price rises, and oversight by education bodies to calls for policy action.