Vol. 489 No. 7
22 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the number and ranks of the Defence Forces personnel provided for by the new organisation to be engaged full-time in the management of health and safety matters; if he has satisfied himself with these provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9070/98]
The reorganisation of the Defence Forces, as provided for in the Defence Forces review implementation plan, is still ongoing. While considerable progress has been made in the reorganisation of the Army, the reorganisation of the Naval Service and the Air Corps is awaiting the outcome of the special studies envisaged in the implementation plan. However, I can confirm in relation to the Army it is envisaged that a total of seven personnel of various ranks will be involved on a full-time basis on health and safety matters. It is further envisaged that, in addition, a number of Army personnel will also be involved on a part-time basis. It is not possible at this stage to indicate the number of Naval Service and Air Corps personnel in their new organisations who will be involved in health and safety matters.
I am satisfied with the emphasis placed by the military authorities on health and safety matters within the Defence Forces whose members have put a great deal of work into implementing the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, thereby demonstrating a high level of commitment to the health and safety of all Defence Forces personnel.
An advisory committee on health and safety, comprising both civilian and military personnel, has been engaged in directing and monitoring a comprehensive implementation of the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
The 1994 report of the Defence Forces advisory committee to the Health and Safety Authority acknowledged the excellent work undertaken by the Defence Forces in what is acknowledged to be a constantly evolving process. The report also acknowledged the excellent work done by the Defence Forces in the area of education and training and recommended a policy of continued education and training throughout the Defence Forces. In this regard education and training in health and safety is continuous and each command organises courses in manual handling, fire and first aid in addition to courses for safety officers and safety representatives.
