Michael Ring
Question:61 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority has unlimited access to all post-primary schools in order to carry out inspections. [11124/02]
Vol. 552 No. 1
61 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority has unlimited access to all post-primary schools in order to carry out inspections. [11124/02]
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, is the principal legislation dealing with occupational health and safety. The 1989 Act applies to all places of work and to all employers, employees and the self-employed. The Health and Safety Authority has access to all places of employment, including post-primary schools, in order to carry out inspections.
62 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the schools in County Mayo and nationwide that have been inspected by the Health and Safety Authority in view of the fact that it is in compliance with the Health and Safety Act that supervisors are employed. [11125/02]
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 is the principal piece of legislation dealing with occupational health and safety. This Act applies to all places of work and to all employers, employees and the self-employed.
The employment of supervisors, or otherwise, in schools is not a specific requirement under the 1989 Act. However, the Act provides that it is the primary duty of every employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all employees, and that persons not in his employment, who may be affected thereby, are not exposed to risks to their safety and health.
The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for the promotion, administration and enforcement of the relevant statutory provisions in the area of occupational health and safety and the carrying out of inspections is a day-to-day matter for the authority in which I have no function.