Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
42. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the level of additional resources provided to the Health and Safety Authority to ensure clean air in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45105/22]
View answerIn Budget 2021, the Government provided an additional pay budget of €4.2million to the Health and Safety Authority. On foot of this additional funding, sanction has been given to the Health and Safety Authority to increase its human resources to a total of 317 roles across administrative, professional and technical grades.
As the organisation expands, an extensive programme of recruitment and on-boarding has been executed, with a two phased programme over 24 months, which remains ongoing. The Health and Safety Authority will continue to focus on high-risk sectors and hazards which cause fatalities, incidents, injuries and ill health.
The establishment of a new Occupational Health Division was central for the Authority receiving an additional budget for resources to manage the current and future increasing demands on occupational health requirements. As an example of work in this area, this new division has responsibility for developing the new Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality.
