Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
366. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if EU Directive 2010/32/EU, on the prevention of sharp injuries has been transposed into law; and if not, the timeframe for transposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27601/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDraft transposing Regulations to bring the "Sharps" Directive into force in Irish legislation have been prepared by my Department in conjunction with the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). However, in considering the Draft Regulations, a number of issues arose and two issues remain outstanding. These are currently being responded to by my Department, together with the HSA, before revised text proposals can be submitted to the OPC for legal settlement. As the 11 May 2013 transposition deadline has passed, the European Commission has been notified of the position.
My Department hopes to have revised Draft Regulations available for consideration for the OPC shortly with a view to their introduction at an early date.
Notwithstanding that the "Sharps" Directive itself has yet to be transposed through national Regulations, the duties to maintain a safe and healthy workplace under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations still obtain.
