Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

As Senator Cummins says, this amendment will remove the obligation on employers to consult with both their employees and the safety representatives in every circumstance. I welcome the inclusion of the phrase "as appropriate" because there are circumstances in which it is entirely appropriate that an employer should consult with both. However, it has been pointed out to me that there are circumstances where it may not be possible to consult with both, particularly in construction situations, for example, where there are a number of sites and the safety representative is only present at one. This requirement was not only onerous but could not reasonably be met in particular situations. In this context, I accept the Senator's amendment.