Health and Safety Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004

Thursday, 2 December 2004

Questions (182)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

182 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding inspections by the Health and Safety Authority in schools; if the HSA has the power to close a school on foot of such an inspection; the procedure from the time of a complaint and the initiation of an inspection to its completion; if a report on the inspection in a school is forwarded to his Department or to the Department of Education and Science, or both, if such a report is completed; the action which is or can be taken on foot of such an inspection or investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32010/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The Health and Safety Authority, HSA, has full power under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 to investigate schools, the same as applies to all other workplaces. The full range of enforcement powers, including the service of improvement and prohibition notices, and if necessary in a very serious situation if that should arise the HSA may initiate an ex parte application to the High Court under the Act for closure.

The procedures for and initiation of inspections is a day-to-day matter for the HSA as an independent authority.

The HSA is not required to send reports of school inspections to my Department and it does not do so. I understand the HSA deals with school boards of management in regard to management issues concerning health, safety and welfare at the workplace. This does not include the sending of reports to the Department of Education and Science by the HSA.

The issue of taking remedial action, if required, on foot of a HSA inspectors' report, or under notices as referred to above, is I understand considered a matter for the management of each particular school in the first instance and then in consultation with whichever other organisation or body which may be appropriate.