Vol. 558 No. 6
27 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made in considering the need for a new authority with overall responsibility for public safety as recommended by the interdepartmental committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24871/02]
The Interdepartmental-Agency Review Group on Public Safety examined the State's approach to public safety and the adequacy of the existing approach. The group also sought to identify deficiencies in this approach and to develop a co-ordinated approach to the subject. Consultations with Departments and public bodies were undertaken and more than 50 submissions were received from interested parties. These submissions 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 am concerned about the necessity for the establishment of an agency to deal specifically with public safety regulation. The issues concerning the regulation of public safety are already being dealt with by a number of Departments and public bodies. It may well, therefore, be a matter for some form of a more co-ordinated approach to the issues involved rather than setting up a brand new agency.
Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 22.
