Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received new draft regulations from the Health and Safety Authority to provide for improved safety conditions in the construction sector; if these new regulations have been approved by Government; when he expects them to come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11280/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Health and Safety Authority began a consultation process with the social partners and key players in the construction industry on proposed new construction regulations under the safety, health and welfare at work legislation in 2003. The authority undertook public consultation during a six-week period towards the end of last year. A total of 46 submissions was received during this latter period. The proposed new regulations are designed to replace previous regulations in force since 2001 and 2003, to fully implement European directives relating to the construction sector and to give regulatory effect to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

I understand that the board of the authority is due to hold a special meeting tomorrow, Friday, 24 March, to consider the regulations. I expect to receive the proposed regulations immediately afterwards and they will be sent by the Department to the Attorney General's office for legal settlement. I intend to invite comments from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business. Unless there are unforeseen difficulties, I expect to be in a position to sign the new regulations into law within about six weeks and to lay the statutory instrument before the Houses.

The Department, with assistance from the HSA, undertook a regulatory impact analysis which I also intend to lay before the Houses with the statutory instrument.