Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

The Health and Safety Authority was established by legislation put through this and the other House. It is generally accepted that it is doing an excellent job in terms of supervising employers, helping to eliminate workplace accidents and so on. Two years ago the Health and Safety Authority decided that it would use its supervisory powers to inspect roadworks being carried out by local authorities, a development that was urgently needed. It carried out 100 inspectors and as a result enforcement orders were issued to a raft to local authorities. Two local authorities, Clare County Council and Donegal County Council, are now challenging the right of the Health and Safety Authority to be involved in——