Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The amendment seeks to amalgamate the provision of sections 78(1) and 78(2) so that all offences, regardless of their seriousness, can be prosecuted summarily or on indictment. The section distinguishes between lesser offences, which do not give rise to a likelihood of employees being injured or killed at work, and the more serious offences, about which I agree with Deputy Howlin, which give rise to the likelihood of much more serious injury. The section further provides that lesser offences can only be prosecuted summarily and will not attract a prison sentence. Given the nature of the lesser offences, that is reasonable. They do not warrant a larger fine or imprisonment because distinguishing between the seriousness of offences is important in the context of health and safety requirements.

See this speech in context