Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
17 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will give effect to the recommendations of the review group on public safety and establish an agency with responsibility for public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23618/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the recommendations contained in the report on public safety in Ireland, which was published in 2000, was that an Office of Public Safety Regulation should be considered. While that office would not be responsible for public safety issues, it was envisaged that it would have some form of overseeing role of all the agencies and bodies involved. It should be noted that the group was not in full agreement on this recommendation due to issues relating to duplication of existing services and additional costs. Some members of the review group expressed reservations about the need for such an office and the extra burden on State finances.
The review group's recommendation was quite clearly inconclusive and a clear-cut case has not been made for the establishment of a new agency. Another State agency, whose function is merely to oversee other agencies on public safety matters, is not the right way forward.
