Vol. 529 No. 4
44 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investigation that has been held into the death of a person in an accident at a plant (details supplied) in County Cork; the number of industrial accidents reported at this plant during the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3006/01]
I have been informed by the Health and Safety Authority that the incident referred to by the Deputy is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Health and Safety Authority and other relevant agencies. It would be inappropriate for me to comment in any detail on the circumstances surrounding the incident pending the completion of the ongoing investigation and any subsequent action which might ensue. I can assure the Deputy, however, that the investigation is being treated with the utmost priority by the Health and Safety Authority.
With regard to the number of industrial accidents reported at the company during the past ten years, I would point out that under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, the Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with overall responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health. Matters arising from this responsibility, including compliance with the statutory requirement to report industrial accidents, are, therefore, a day to day function of the authority and such queries should be referred to the authority.
Notwithstanding this, I have been advised by the Health and Safety Authority that it has been active in the plant so as to identify and address safety issues and concerns and are, in fact, carrying out a safety management audit. The authority has assured me that it will continue to keep the plant under review so as to attain the highest possible workplace safety standards.
