Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
610. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she or her Department were contacted by any of the contractors involved in the construction of a new factory (details supplied) regarding the continued construction work at the site during the period of the Covid-19 restrictions. [6437/20]
View answer611. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to or if she has been contacted regarding the full reopening of a construction site (details supplied) on 11 May 2020 a week before the agreed reopening date for construction on 18 May 2020 and prior to the Return to Work Protocol from her Department and the HSE being distributed to and discussed with employees on the site. [6438/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 610 and 611 together.
The issue of construction works at the site in question is an operational matter for the companies concerned. I understand that the Deputy along with his colleagues Deputies Bríd Smith, Richard Boyd Barrett and Gino Kenny contacted the Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority on May 10th and my office was included as a recipient in this email correspondence. I can confirm, however, that I have not been contacted by any of the contractors in question and neither, to the best of my knowledge, has my Department.
More broadly, as we begin the process of gradually easing restrictions on different parts of our economy, I understand that many construction firms are adapting construction sites so that future works can adhere to provisions on social distancing and employee safety. I expect these measures to be in line with all relevant Government guidelines and the Return to Work Safely Protocol issued by my Department earlier this month.
