Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

As I informed Deputy Hogan, a review of the training regime is under way, which undoubtedly will impact positively on the experience in the future. I cannot say whether the specific training in the cases involved had an impact. If that were the case, I presume it would have been brought to my attention. I have had no update since last month on the Garda inquiry.

On Deputy Howlin's question on the number of inspections, yesterday I had the pleasure of launching the 2004 Health and Safety Authority report. It was accompanied by a considerable additional document which provides data and analyses on deaths by sector and by region. It provides interesting reading and will inform the work of the Health and Safety Authority and the Government's legislative programme in the coming months and years. The HSA has directed its inspections at particular areas. Approximately 100 inspectors are involved, some of who had an increased workload last year because of the EU Presidency. They will return to full-time duty with the HSA this year, which will result in additional inspections, particularly in areas highlighted as having the most difficulties.

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