Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the response of his Department following the recent TG4 Fíorsceal programme on asbestos aired on 18 February 2007; if assistance can be offered to former employees (details supplied) who were exposed to asbestos without being aware of its danger for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7614/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Prevention of exposure is the focus of occupational safety and health legislation concerning asbestos in the workplace. Specific worker protection Regulations regarding the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos fibres while at work have been in place since 1989. The most up-to-date Regulations are the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006), which are enforced by the Health and Safety Authority. These Regulations place obligations on employers and employees to ensure that the risk of exposure to asbestos is eliminated or reduced to a minimum and that any remaining residual risk is adequately controlled in accordance with the legislation. The Health and Safety Authority is working to ensure those persons who are at risk from existing asbestos materials in workplaces, or who work with such materials, know the best way to control and prevent exposure occurring. By improving compliance with best practices, the risk from asbestos fibres being released is controlled and prevented and any residual risk is then controlled and reduced.

I understand that under the Occupational Injuries Scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs benefits may be payable in respect of insured workers affected by contact with asbestos.