Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 2

Written Answers. - Safety of Hospital Workers.

Michael Finucane

Question:

49 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that outsourced workers in some hospitals are not protected under health and safety legislation and that they could be exposed to serious infections; the obligations, if any, on hospital authorities to ensure that appropriate training and anti-hepatitis vaccinations are available to these workers; and if he will issue a direction to health boards and hospitals in this regard. [5455/98]

Richard Bruton

Question:

83 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that outsourced workers in some hospitals are not protected under health and safety legislation and that they could be exposed to serious infections; the obligations, if any, on hospital authorities to ensure that appropriate training and anti-hepatitis vaccinations are available to these workers; and if he will issue a direction to health boards and hospitals in this regard. [5454/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 83 together.

All employees of any category, including outsourced workers, are included under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. The provision of services in hospitals is the responsibility of the hospital, including the implementation of the safety, health and welfare at work legislation. The primary responsibility for implementation of the safety, health and welfare at work legislation, including training and vaccinations, under the Act, is a day to day matter which rests with the employer. My Department has made additional funding of £3,143,000 available to the health agencies in 1998 in respect of safety, health and welfare at work.