Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The fact that the code of practice is being published next week means we are moving it pretty quickly. It will be in place in 2023, which I must remind the Deputy is only about eight or nine weeks away. It is not as if we are saying this will be in a couple of years’ time. To be fair, there is a process to go through when updating these regulations. I assume the Deputy wants this done right. I believe it will be done right in the way it is being done.

The code of practice will be published next week. The development of the regulations to bring into force the new code of practice in the workplace is being progressed by officials. The existing 2007 regulations are being amended to impose an obligation on employers to comply with higher standards of indoor air quality, which will be set out in the associated code of practice. The updated regulations will give legal effect to the code of practice.

The Deputy asked what that is about. The code of practice for indoor air quality will set out the optimum standard for indoor air quality, along with detailed practical advice and guidance for employers and employees on areas such as contaminants, indoor air and its sources and health effects, risk assessment, indoor pollutants and their thresholds, measurement and analysis, ventilation strategy, ventilation types and appropriate control measures, along with practical checklists and a tool for employers. Under the code of practice, the HSA inspectors will have the full range of powers available to them, including the right to assess a report of inspection, serve an improvement or prohibition notice, enter a place of work, question certain individuals, investigate and examine records and examine the workplace activity and processes carried out. Findings can be used in criminal proceedings.

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