asked the Minister for Labour the progress which has been made with the establishment of the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health as recommended in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Safety, Health and Welfare at Work published in July 1983.
Written Answers. - Safety at Work.
740.
The commission's recommendation for a National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health is only one of its important proposals which would require legislative change. I have accorded top priority to work in my Department on the development of a draft framework Bill on safety, health and welfare at work based on the general approach advocated by the commission. Consultations are proceeding at present with other Departments and at a later stage, discussions will take place with the social partners and other interests before my plans are finalised. My intention would be to introduce a Bill into the Oireachtas as soon as the consultative process can be completed.