Eric J. Byrne
Question:34 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether his Department has a safety statement and a designated safety officer. [7221/97]
Written Answers. - Departmental Safety Policy.
I can confirm that the Department of Foreign Affairs has a safety statement and a designated safety officer. The following agencies/committees which come under the aegis of my Department — the Agency for Personal Services Overseas (APSO), the Irish Aid Advisory Committee (IAAC) and the Refugee Agency have safety statements. The first two agencies have designated safety officers. The Refugee Agency is presently considering the appointment of a replacement safety officer following the departure of the previous incumbent.
The National Committee for Development Education (NCDE) which also comes under the aegis of my Department is subject to the safety provisions of its building management. It is at present preparing a safety statement and will appoint a designated safety officer shortly.
I also wish to confirm that the Office of the Tánaiste and the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF), which is under the aegis of the Office of the Tánaiste, have fulfilled the requirements under the Health and Safety regulations in relation to safety statements and the appointment of safety officers.