Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
556. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to reform current health and safety legislation to better reflect the capacity of the general public, and to introduce clearer mechanisms for discretion, exemptions, or alternative pathways where risk is present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11731/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and I understand the importance of maintaining a robust and comprehensive framework of occupational safety and health legislation. In that regard, the work of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is vital as the regulatory body responsible for occupational safety and health in Ireland.
Health and safety legislation requires the employer to assess the risks to safety and health at work for all workers, to avoid workplace accident, injury, and ill health. Employers are required to develop a safety statement, based on a risk assessment, which details how the safety, health and welfare of employees are protected. The safety statement includes risk assessments and should be produced in consultation with employees and their representatives.
The HSA operate under the statutory powers of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The 2005 Act sets out the general duties and responsibilities of the employer and employee in ensuring health and safety in the workplace.
The Act also sets out a range of enforcement actions available to the HSA that can be used to address cases of non-compliance, which includes improvement notices and prohibition notices, along with potential offences and penalties arising for non-compliance. Where HSA inspectors identify, or are made aware of, practices, conditions or hazards that pose health and safety risks, they are obligated to act in accordance with statute.
Working with employers and employees to raise awareness of workplace health and safety is a key component of the HSA’s strategic work programme. The HSA has published a suite of sector-specific guidance and support materials, which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new and emerging health and safety issues. In addition to various awareness-raising and public information campaigns, the HSA also offers a range of practical public-facing online tools to support duty holders, such as BeSmart.ie and HSAlearning.ie.
The current legislative framework is robust and obliges employers to assess risks and protect employees. While there are currently no plans to reform occupational safety and health legislation in Ireland, my Department is progressing several measures to implement recent European legislation, ensuring we remain aligned with other EU Member States.
