Vol. 418 No. 1
28 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the Defence Forces are fully implementing all safety and health legislation; if his attention has been drawn to comments made by the secretary of PDFORRA criticising the Army's approach in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Extensive safety measures appropriate to military requirements are in operation throughout the Defence Forces and are regularly reviewed in consultation with the relevant personnel. Arrangements for the implementation of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, within the Defence Forces have been made and an advisory committee comprising civil and military representatives of my Department were established more than a year ago to coordinate and monitor progress in this area.
The advisory committee have had consultations with the representative associations in the case of military personnel and trade unions in the case of civilian employees with the Defence Forces. There will be further consultation as circumstances require. I am satisfied that these arrangements are the most appropriate forum for consideration of the views of all concerned with the successful application of health and safety legislation in the Defence Forces.
I am glad to hear that the Minister and Defence Forces officers are making progress with regard to this issue. Is the Minister satisfied that there is full understanding and appreciation of the legalities that exist with regard to the implementation of this important legislation throughout the Defence Forces? Is he aware of an incident reported in the media since the establishment of this committee, of officers refusing to cooperate with inspectors from the Department who were seeking to establish whether or not the Act was being implemented? Would the Minister ensure that in future there will be the fullest co-operation and, indeed, under standing among all ranks with regard to the workings of this important legislation?
I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the military authorities are fully seized of the importance of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. All units of the Defence Forces have already elected their safety representatives. Those representatives are in touch with their own areas and bring to bear their knowledge of the areas in regard to safety. With regard to the specific question about lack of co-operation, I do not know exactly what the Deputy is referring to and I would like further information on that. To my knowledge there is a serious commitment among officers, NCOs and men to ensuring that the safety regulations are adhered to.
Question time is well nigh exhausted. I will call Deputy Taylor-Quinn and I will then hear a final question from Deputy Bell.
Is the Minister aware of the grave concern of the Army spouses' association in relation to the implementation of the health Act, particularly as it relates to health services for the spouses and families of Army personnel while they are on duty abroad with United Nations forces?
I have had contact in the past with the spouses. I have had no representation from them in the recent past but I will keep the Deputy's question in mind in pursuing the matter.
Would the Minister agree that there has been a very substantial increase in the level of claims relating to accidents at work in the PDF in the last number of years and that that is basically due to the lack of proper safety standards at work? Would the Minister indicate the level of increase in such claims and the level of payment under that heading?
I have no information in my brief about claims as that was not part of the original question. However, I assure the Deputy that in so far as claims might arise from a lack in safety at work procedures, we will eliminate those in all possible cases.
That disposes of questions for today.
