Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that the Health and Safety Authority has sufficient staff and resources to carry out its work, in view of the continuing unacceptable number of industrial accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6168/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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This year the Health and Safety Authority will receive a grant of €16.098 million, which is an increase of 12% on 2004. In addition, an allocation of €301,000 has been made towards workplace safety projects to be implemented in conjunction with the construction safety partnership.

The authority has a staff of 163, 100 of whom are specifically involved in inspection, investigation and enforcement of health and safety legislation.

The authority has an ambitious work programme for 2005 which includes an increase in the level of inspections to be undertaken and the related enforcement. Serious accidents and complaints will be prioritised, investigated and any necessary actions taken to ensure the required improvements. New business systems will be implemented to support the inspection and enforcement management systems to enable inspectors to better target places of work for inspection and enforcement.

In the context of the overall allocation of resources I am confident that the authority can achieve the objectives set out in its work programme for 2005.

The number of people killed in work related accidents last year was 47 compared to 65 in 2003 and 61 in 2002. While this is the lowest number of deaths since the authority was established in 1989 it is still unacceptable. There is a major challenge to reduce workplace accidents which lead to injuries and deaths. There are responsibilities on the main participants in the workplace — the workers and employers. The achievement of good health and safety standards in the workplace comes about as a result of interaction, co-operation and joint action towards a mutual goal between staff and management.