'Compromised' exam papers were alleged to have been shared with apprentices hoping to qualify as electricians in advance of assessments.

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Good morning.

Our lead story this morning is a curious and worrying tale about allegations of cheating within the electrical craft apprenticeship programme, which prompted serious concerns of alleged criminal activity and risks to public safety.

The allegations were first made in a protected disclosure, which eventually made its way to the desk of Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless.

He then asked the Attorney General to consider if there may have been a criminal case to answer, after his department became aware earlier this year of allegations that exam papers had been available for sale to apprentice electricians for €50 the night before a test. The claims raised fears for the public from potentially unqualified electricians.

Other “compromised” exam papers were alleged to have been shared with apprentices hoping to qualify as electricians in advance of assessments.

“Compromised” exam papers have now been withdrawn and replaced, and some of the responsibility for curriculum and assessment roles have been taken away from the State agency Solas and give