Vol. 535 No. 1
110 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made on investigations under the health and safety regulations into two explosions on the Southern Cross motorway construction site; if promises made to residents in respect of independent engineering reports to assess dangers have been fulfilled; and the action which will be taken to prevent a recurrence and to make good damage caused by the explosions. [11419/01]
The National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, known as the Health and Safety Authority, is the State body with responsibility for the administration, monitoring and enforcement of occupational health and safety legislation. The carrying out of inspections and investigations are a day-to-day matter for the authority. I have, however, been informed by the authority that it has completed its investigations into the two unplanned explosions involving surplus explosives on the Southern Cross Route motorway, Ballinteer, County Dublin. I have also been informed that legal proceedings are now under consideration and that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. In view of this, it would be inappropriate of me to comment further on the matter at this stage. However, I can assure the Deputy that I have maintained appropriate contact with the HSA on these matters.
