Bernard J. Durkan
Question:156 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if health and safety standards are maintained in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23146/98]
Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.
I am satisfied with the level of attention paid to health and safety matters within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have put a great deal of work into implementing the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, demonstrating a high degree of commitment to the safety of all of its members.
A Defence Forces 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 and made recommendations in light of the work which had already been done in an area which the report acknowledged as being a constantly evolving process. The report made recommendations in the following areas: management and promotion of occupational safety and health in the Defence Forces; reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences; consultation at barrack level and education and training.
The recommendations made in these areas are being addressed under the auspices of the Defence Forces advisory committee.
The report specifically acknowledged the excellent work done by the Defence Forces in the area of education and training and suggested a policy of continued education and training throughout the Defence Forces.