Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am using those examples to illustrate a practical point, which is to ensure that, as section 10(2) provides, training "shall be adapted to take account of new or changed risks to safety...". That should be done in a structured fashion comprising a regular consultation between employers and employees on safety and an annual review of any safety risks. The consultation and review could be undertaken together. I am not talking about a three-day meeting, but management and staff could deal with whatever health and safety issues need to be taken into account, whether they are doing things correctly, whether any dangerous matters are being overlooked and, if so, what needs to be done about them. I would like the Bill to provide for such a consultation and review.

Good employers would have no difficulty in accepting a proviso to consult with workers which, in turn, would place an onus on workers to identify safety problems. I hope to table an amendment dealing with this point on Committee Stage and in the interim I would ask the Minister of State to examine the matter.

This legislation is progressive and seeks to put in place strategies and policies to deal with health and safety issues. It recognises health and safety as important aspects of the workplace environment. Workplace health and safety are European issues that involve a cost to employers. It is important, therefore, that such legislation should apply across Europe. As part of the Minister of State's additional duties, he should ensure that the level of protection and safety envisaged in the Bill will also be available to workers in every other jurisdiction in Europe. Apart from anything else, it creates a level playing pitch for competition.

I congratulate the Minister for having brought the legislation before the House. I hope he will take on board the points I have made and I look forward to discussing the Bill further on Committee Stage.