Vol. 518 No. 3
79 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority will examine the conditions to ascertain if patients are at risk due to ongoing building works at Áras Deirbhla, Belmullet, County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11571/00]
81 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will instruct health and safety officials to examine the conditions in Áras Deirbhla, Belmullet, County Mayo, to ascertain if patients are at risk due to ongoing building works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11535/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 81 together.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, is the principal legislation dealing with occupational health and safety. Under the 1989 Act, the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, known as the Health and Safety Authority, is the State body charged with overall responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health. Matters arising from this responsibility are, therefore, a day-to-day function of the authority. I suggest that the Deputy bring his concerns to the direct attention of the Health and Safety Authority at Odeon House, Eyre Square, Galway. In the meantime, I have arranged for the details contained in the Deputy's question to be brought to the attention of the authority.
Responsibility for the health and safety of both workers and patients, lies in the first instance with the relevant hospital authorities.
