The principal regulations governing asbestos waste are the European Communities (Asbestos Waste) Regulations, 1990, – S.I. No. 30 of 1990 – the European Communities (Control of Water Pollution by Asbestos) Regulations, 1990, – S.I. No. 31 of 1990 – and the Air Pollution Act, 1989 (Emission Limit Values for the Use of Asbestos) Regulations, 1990 – S.I. No. 28 of 1990. These regulations are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
In so far as my Department is concerned, the Health and Safety Authority is the statutory body responsible for the promotion of occupational safety and health and for the day to day administration and enforcement of relevant statutory provisions in this area. The authority currently administers and enforces legislation in relation to the protection of the health and safety of workers from exposure to asbestos and restrictions on the marketing and use of asbestos.