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Health and Safety Authority.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2006

Wednesday, 15 November 2006

Questions (93)

Mary Upton

Question:

153 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the chief executive of the Health and Safety Authority is leaving his post; if he was consulted before the board of the HSA offered the chief executive a one year extension to their original five year contract; if he has satisfied himself that the independence of an executive agency charged with the implementation of health and safety law has not been compromised by this outcome; if a successor suitable to the post will be appointed without delay; if he will ensure that all outstanding contractual and financial obligations to the chief executive will be honoured swiftly and in full by the HSA, his Department and the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37742/06]

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Written answers

The current Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority was originally appointed by the Board of the Authority for a 5-year term. When that term expired on 16th September 2006, he was offered and accepted a further 1 year contract.

The appointment of a Chief Executive is a matter for the Board of the Health and Safety Authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 39 and Schedule 6 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. I understand that the Chairman of the Board consulted with the Chief Executive before his reappointment and I have given my consent to the reappointment in accordance with the 2005 Act.

I also understand that the Board has decided, with the agreement of the Chief Executive to terminate his employment contract. The Board will immediately be putting arrangements and procedures in place to recruit and appoint a new Chief Executive of the Authority.

I want to pay tribute to the Chief Executive for his contribution to the safety, health and welfare of the workforce of the country and his outstanding service as a public servant. The Department will make every effort to ensure that all contractual and financial obligations are honoured.

I am also quite satisfied that the independence and integrity of the Health and Safety Authority remains at the very highest level and is not compromised by the departure of the Chief Executive.

Question No. 154 answered with QuestionNo. 100.
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