Derek McDowell (Labour)

I do not have a view, good, bad or indifferent, on Senator O'Toole's amendments. However, he touches on the important issue of the level of expertise available to the HSA. This is particularly relevant in the context of the chemicals industry, which is becoming significant in this country. A few years ago, I took part as a member of Dublin City Council in the consideration of an application for a fuel pipeline from the port to Dublin Airport. It quickly became clear that the local authority did not have the expertise to assess whether safety requirements would be met. It was difficult to find experts in this country who could make such an assessment. As it was proposed that the pipeline would run under houses, people were concerned to ensure the requirements were met. I have heard nothing further on this issue and presume no action was taken. My question is whether the expertise to deal with important and sensitive cases involving dangerous industries will be available to inspectors within the HSA.