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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

96 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made in considering the need for a new authority with overall responsibility for public safety as recommended by the interdepartmental committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20361/02]

The interdepartmental agency review group on public safety examined the State's approach to public safety and the adequacy of the existing approach. The group sought to identify deficiencies in the approach and to develop a co-ordinated, cohesive and comprehensive approach to the subject. Con sultations with all Departments and agencies were undertaken and over 50 submissions were received from other interested bodies. These submissions primarily dealt with road safety, licensing of events, the regulation of the electrical industry and building controls. The review group also carried out research on how public safety is addressed in other countries.

While the Government has not made a final decision on the report of the review group, I have serious concerns about setting up an agency to deal specifically with public safety regulation. The issues concerning the regulation of public safety are already dealt with by a number of Government Departments and agencies. It may well be that a more co-ordinated approach to the issues involved is required, rather than setting up a new agency.

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