Minister Lawless Sought Legal Advice Over Claims Apprentice Electricians Bought Exam Papers For €50

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 at 09:32

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

Mr Lawless sought advice from the Attorney General on whether the matter should be referred to An Garda Síochána.

A protected disclosure alleging cheating in the electrical craft apprenticeship programme prompted a review ordered by Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless over fears for public safety and the integrity of the qualification system.

The disclosure claimed exam papers were being sold to apprentice electricians for €50 on the eve of assessments.

Mr Lawless sought advice from the Attorney General on whether the matter should be referred to An Garda Síochána.

The Attorney General’s office, according to the Irish Times, is understood to have found insufficient evidence to confirm any criminal wrongdoing but indicated that Solas and QQI may hold further relevant information.

Mr Lawless summoned the heads of Solas and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to an urgent meeting.

Solas has since withdrawn all “compromised” papers and transferred some assessment duties to colleges.

An independent review commissioned by the Minister Lawless found no unqualified electricians had entered the system.

While the allegations focused on the electrical trade, officials warned that weaknesses in oversight could undermine confidence across all apprenticeship programmes.

Solas confirmed it is investigating any reports of exam papers for sale and is undergoing a periodic critical review.

QQI has also completed a separate review recommending stronger governance of the electrical apprenticeship programme.

Details of the issue are to be presented to Cabinet today.

Speaking to Kfm, Minister James Lawless said the revelations are worrying.