Vol. 566 No. 2
65 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to publish the long promised legislation to increase penalties for breaches of the health and safety legislation, especially having regard to the continuing level of accidents in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12270/03]
This legislation is in the later stages of legal drafting, after completion of which Government approval to publish will be sought. I hope to be in a position to seek such Government approval before the summer recess. The new legislation will strengthen provisions dealing with the consultation and participation of employees and safety representatives on matters of health and safety at work. It will also make provisions for dealing with training, instruction and supervision for employees in matters of health and safety. In relation to penalties, the Act will provide for very significant increases in the fines and penalties imposed for breaches of legislation.
I am conscious of the high accident rates among the construction sector. However, although the new legislation will provide a solid platform for increased safety in all sectors, legislation alone will not provide a panacea for all the safety related problems that exist in the construction sector. If workers are prepared to take unnecessary risks, or forced to take unnecessary risks, no amount of safety procedures and legislation will prevent accidents occurring. I urge contractors, site managers and foremen to redouble their efforts to ensure a safe working environment for their workers.
