Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
25. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department will consider introducing protections for workers in the case of severe weather events in order that they are not placed in undue danger or financially penalised for being unable to attend their workplace during severe weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13368/26]
View answerEnsuring that Irish workplaces are healthy and safe is a key priority for myself and for my Department. The existing legislative framework is strong, comprehensive, and designed to ensure that employers assess risks and take all necessary steps to protect their staff from extreme temperatures and other hazards. The Health and Safety Authority plays a vital role in delivering this robust framework and is essential in supporting employers and employees.
The HSA provides guidance, oversight and timely communication during severe weather, ensuring that workplaces are fully informed and prepared.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are legally required to assess the health and safety risks present in their workplace, including risks from excessive heat, storms, or driving for work, and to put appropriate measures in place to protect employees. Extremes of temperature are defined as a hazard and Irish law already regulates work carried out in high or low temperatures.
The HSA supports employers in raising awareness around the identification of vulnerable workers in all work sectors, including agency workers, contractors, migrant workers, part-time and temporary workers, and gig workers. Where an employee has a concern regarding workplace health and safety, they can contact the HSA via their website, by phone or by post. All complaints and concerns about workplace safety, health and welfare are treated seriously and confidentially by the HSA.
Any arrangement regarding the provision of paid leave during extreme weather events is a matter for agreement between the employer and the employee. Such leave may be provided for as part of an employer’s policy or in a contract of employment. Although there are no plans at present to introduce paid leave for extreme weather events, the Workplace Relations Commission provides guidance on employer and employee rights and responsibilities during severe weather. The guidance is available to the public on the WRC website.
My Department, alongside the HSA, consistently monitors the operation of occupational health and safety legislation in Ireland to ensure that we maintain a strong legislative regime. The HSA continue to collaborate with stakeholders across Ireland to ensure maximum impact from regulatory activities, especially in high-risk sectors, and to amplify prevention and guidance activities.
While I appreciate the need to protect workers from occupational hazards, including those presented by extreme weather, I consider that the existing legislation already presents a number of requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees in this regard.
