Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
87. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he received the letter from the Women of Honour group in November; if he accepts their view on his comments of the unsafe nature of the workplace; what updates he will give in relation to this letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2793/24]
View answerI did not receive the letter to which the Deputy refers but I am aware of a statement issued by the Women of Honour at that time.
I have met the Women of Honour and their legal representatives on a number of occasions, the most recent being on 14th December last.
In relation to correspondence issued from my office of 2 November, 2023, to the legal representatives of the Women of Honour, the content reflects what was actually said at a meeting with the Group and clarifies the breadth of inquiry that could ensue if the Terms of Reference were to expressly include Health and Safety legislation.
I have advised that the Tribunal will have regard to any and all relevant legislative provisions, which includes the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and this will be at the discretion of the Judge appointed as Chair of the Tribunal.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the statutory body responsible for matters relating to occupational health and safety. A copy of the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) was circulated to the HSA following publication earlier this year. The HSA are currently undertaking an inspection of the Defence Forces arising from matters in the Report.
The Government on Tuesday last approved the Terms of Reference for the Tribunal and a Judge to Chair the Inquiry. A motion for resolution to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry will come before this House tomorrow.
