Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
119. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the State Claims Agency supplied the Health and Safety Authority with copies of its audits and-or reports regarding the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53026/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the State Claims Agency that it does not provide reports of Health and Safety Management System Audits conducted by the Agency in Delegated State Authorities (including the Defence Forces) to the Health and Safety Authority. I am advised that these are provided to the Delegated State Authorities only.
With regard to the Air Corps, the Deputy will be aware that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), following a number of inspections in 2016, issued a Report of Inspection to the Air Corps on 21st October 2016, listing a number of matters requiring attention which included the areas of risk assessment.
The Air Corps as a consequence of this HSA report have implemented an improvement plan which is being conducted over eight phases. Seven of the eight phases have now been fully completed. The final phase is a continuous ongoing process. The implementation plan focuses on a number of areas, including risk assessment.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the Defence Forces personnel is a high priority for me and the military authorities.
