Vol. 506 No. 6
43 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has considered the establishment of any general scheme for the compensation of persons who have suffered injury or death as a result of asbestos; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16151/99]
The Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of all workplace health and safety legislation. The authority currently administers and enforces legislation on the protection of the health and safety of workers from exposure to asbestos and restrictions on the marketing and use of asbestos.
Irish occupational safety, health and welfare legislation is concerned solely with the prevention of occupational injury and ill-health. Matters relating to compensation for persons arising in connection with occupational death or injury are outside the ambit of that legislation, and are also outside the remit of both this Department and the Health and Safety Authority. Neither I nor the authority have any plans to introduce a general scheme for the compensation of persons who have suffered injury or death as a result of exposure to asbestos.
I should point out to the Deputy that matters relating to general occupational injury and disability benefits come within the aegis of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
