Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position with regard to her consultation with the social partners on proposals to increase penalties for breaches of the health and safety legislation, especially in view of the ongoing level of death and injury being caused to workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13827/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill is at final stages of drafting. I will be bringing it to Government shortly for approval to introduce it in the Oireachtas and to publish it. I have consulted the social partners and I have taken account of their comments in framing the Bill.

In relation to penalties, I am proposing to Government two levels of prosecution for offences under the Bill as follows: summary prosecution in either the District or Circuit Courts for relatively minor offences for which the maximum fine will be €3,000; and prosecution on indictment in the Circuit Court for very serious offences for which the penalty will be a heavy fine or imprisonment or both.