Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that according to the Health and Safety Authority 23 people were killed in workplace accidents in the construction sector in 2005, compared to 16 in that sector in 2004. [4110/06]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of deaths and injuries arising from workplace accidents generally and specifically in regard to the construction industry for 2005; the way in which these figures compare with 2004 and 2003; the additional steps he intends to take to reduce such accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4086/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that according to the Health and Safety Authority 71 people were killed in workplace accidents in 2005, compared to 50 in 2004. [4116/06]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of migrant workers who were killed in workplace accidents in 2005. [4114/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 142, 158, 171 and 181 together.

Figures published by the Health and Safety Authority show that 71 work-related deaths were reported to it in 2005 compared to 50 in 2004. I extend my sympathy to all the families of those involved and affected by the workplace fatalities. Unfortunately, for 2005, the same industry sectors, construction and agriculture, remained the most dangerous. There were 23 construction-related fatalities in 2005 compared to 16 in 2004 and 17 in 2003. Seventeen people died in the agricultural sector in 2005 compared to 13 in 2004 and 19 in 2003. Of the 17 deaths in the agricultural sector, seven involved people over 65 years of age. There were two child fatalities in the sector in 2005. To date, a total of 7,901 non-fatal accidents, resulting in absence of more than three days from normal work, was reported to the authority across all sectors in 2005. Of these 1,612 related to the construction sector.

A total of nine non-national worker fatalities occurred in Ireland in 2005, of which six were from other EU member states and three from other countries. Five of the worker fatalities occurred in construction, two in manufacturing industry and two in wholesale-retail and other services.

The Health and Safety Authority has expressed concern over the number of deaths involving non-nationals in 2005 and I agree that this concern is well founded and the number of fatalities involving non-nationals is out of proportion to their representation in the workforce.

The following table shows the number of fatalities by sector over the past three years. The rate of deaths and injuries in Irish workplaces is unacceptable and a range of approaches is necessary to secure and maintain a significant improvement. There are huge responsibilities on all parties in the workplace and the issue of safety can only be corrected by dedicated efforts by all those involved in day to day operations. I repeat my appeal to all parties to do more to promote awareness of the need for a safe work environment which has benefits for workers, employers and for society generally and which will engender a safety culture.

It should be noted that the drafting of new Safety, Health and Welfare (Construction) Regulations, following consideration of submissions received on foot of the public consultation process, are at an advanced stage. Also, drafting of new Safety, Health and Welfare (General Application) Regulations, designed to revoke and replace in a single text the remaining provisions of the General Application Regulations 1993, as well as seven full sets of other regulations made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, together with certain other provisions are well advanced. I expect to be in a position to sign both sets of these new regulations into force within the next few months.

The Health and Safety Authority's work programme for this year includes prioritising the high risk sectors of construction, agriculture and mines and quarries, as well as the health services, local authorities and process industries. Key actions in these sectors in 2006 will include: a major national road show which will visit a minimum of 5,000 construction workers; the development of a farm "safety village" at the World Ploughing Championships; the publication of three codes of practice tailored to those employing three or fewer in the agriculture, quarrying, and construction sectors; an effective inspection programme targeting key risks; a series of construction briefings targeting managers and designers on the new construction regulations including information on vibration, noise, work at height, underground services, roof work and cranes; and research into the issues involved in the employment of non-English speaking workers.

In relation to the construction sector specifically, the authority in 2006 is committed to carrying out a focused programme of 7,500 construction site inspections covering appointment of duty-holders and assignment of responsibilities, safety and health plans and safety statements, work at heights, reversing vehicle safety, welfare arrangements, training arrangements and slips, trips and falls.