Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
164. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new HSA inspectors hired since June 2020 and January 2021, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14817/21]
View answerSince the 1st of January 2021, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has hired one Grade II Inspector and a further two Grade III Inspectors will take up employment in early April.
The HSA is actively recruiting Grade III inspectors at present and its current campaign had a closing date for receipt of applications of Friday, 19th of March last. It is anticipated that successful candidates from this competition will take up employment from May 2021 onwards.
As part of Budget 2021, an additional allocation of €4.2m was awarded to the HSA for 2021 to cover additional staffing resources in respect of COVID-19 and Brexit related activities.
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency in relation to the assessment of compliance with the Work Safely Protocol and, in that regard, its inspection resources have been supplemented during the period in question by inspectorates from other State Agencies/Government Departments, who are carrying out COVID-19 compliance checks as part of their normal duties.
During the period from June to the 31st of December 2020 the HSA has not hired additional staff at inspector grade. However, during this time, 12 additional posts were filled in its Workplace Contract Unit to assist the HSA in managing the increased number of calls from employers and employees around compliance with the Work Safely Protocol. In addition, staff from my Department were also seconded to the HSA to support the work of the Workplace Contact Unit.
