Lawless Rejects Claim He Let Apprenticeship Exam Leak Scandal "Fester"

Friday, 7 November 2025 16:33

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

He said the leaking of exam materials is “entirely unacceptable” and insists he acted decisively to protect the integrity of the system.

Further Education Minister and Kildare North Fianna Fail TD James Lawless is rejecting claims by Connect Trade Union that concerns over exam paper leaks in the craft electrical apprenticeship system were “left to fester”.

The union says it sought an urgent meeting in May, warning of possible breaches in assessment papers and a decline in standards.

It has now written to the Minister again, saying the reputation of the apprenticeship system has been damaged.

However, in a statement provided to Kfm, Minister Lawless said a review was already underway at that time, led by QQI.

He said he had taken “substantive action” over the summer and that this included meeting senior leadership in SOLAS and QQI.

He said he also commissioned an independent report which confirmed the competency of qualified electricians.

The Minister further directed that curriculum, assessment and validation responsibilities be transferred from SOLAS and QQI to education providers.

He said the leaking of exam materials is “entirely unacceptable” and insists he acted decisively to protect the integrity of the system.

He also says he met Connect representatives twice during the period in question - at a meeting with unions on June 26th, and again on July 14th as Chair of the Apprenticeships subgroup of LEEF.