Vol. 558 No. 6
57 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the continuing concerns regarding the inadequacy of penalties available to the courts for serious breaches of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989; when the promised amendments to the Act will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24875/02]
My Department has drafted proposed amendments to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. These proposals are being considered, at present, in discussions with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. I anticipate that the draft Bill will be ready for presentation to the Houses of the Oireachtas in the spring of next year. Pertinent issues of offences and penalties are being addressed in this context, with a view to significantly strengthening those provisions. The Bill will include Government proposals to provide for the imposition of stiffer penalties by the courts where there are serious breaches of health and safety regulations in the workplace.
