In 1999, I considered it was in the public interest to examine our current approach to public safety. Consequently, I established the Interdepartmental-Agency Review Group on Public Safety to examine the State's approach to public safety, the adequacy of the existing approach, to identify any deficiencies and to develop a co-ordinated, cohesive and comprehensive approach. In compiling its report the group consulted with all Departments-Agencies and also received submissions (56) from other interested bodies. These primarily dealt with road safety, licensing of events, the regulation of the electrical industry and building controls. The group also carried out research as to how public safety is addressed in other countries.
I published the report of the review group on 29 December, 2000 and I will be discussing the implications of the group's proposals with my Government colleagues.