Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if gymnasia and leisure centres are covered under public health legislation that require that they be regularly inspected in the interests of public health and safety; if not, if she has plans to introduce any such legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3821/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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While there is no specific public health legislation governing gymnasia and leisure centres, the Environmental Health Officers Association has produced a policy document entitled The Environmental Health Standards for Swimming Pools, Spa Pools, Hydrotherapy Pools and Other Multi-user Pools relating to environmental health standards in leisure facilities. The guidelines outline the standards that are necessary, based on research and professional experience and cover various areas of environmental health, structure and facilities, water quality and treatment, cleaning and maintenance, management systems and health and safety. The guidelines are endorsed by the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Managers, ILAM, which also provided technical assistance.

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, the Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with overall responsibility for administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health. Under the Act, gymnasia and leisure centres, in so far as they are workplaces, would be inspected by the authority in the interest of worker safety.

I have no plans at present to introduce legislation as referred to by the Deputy.