Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when his attention was drawn to the health risks associated with asbestos in the workplace; when legislation was introduced to protect workers; his plans to review legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13428/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Regulations have been in place in Ireland since 1972 regarding the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos fibres while at work. The current Regulations are the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006). These Regulations reflect the rules in the EU Directives governing asbestos in the workplace, the most recent of which was Directive 2003/18/EC of 27 March 2003.

The Regulations require employers and employees to ensure that the risk of exposure is eliminated or reduced to a minimum and that any residual risk is adequately controlled in accordance with the legislation. There is also a requirement for adequate training, and a requirement that persons involved in demolition and asbestos removal activities be qualified to do this work in a safe way to ensure the protection of their employees. A single exposure limit value is introduced for all work activities where exposure to asbestos dust in the air at a place of work may arise.

While not strictly a worker protection measure, the marketing and use of all types of asbestos has been restricted in the EU since the 1980s, culminating in a total ban in 2000. This has undoubtedly had an indirect positive effect on the further protection of workers. The current Regulations in Ireland are the European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 220 of 2003).

The Health and Safety Authority is obliged to keep under review legislation which it enforces in the context of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and to make proposals to the Minister as appropriate. I will consider any such proposals as they may arise.