Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of deaths in the workplace for each of the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24060/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The number of recorded fatalities in Ireland as a result of work-related accidents over the past 4 years was as follows:

2004 — 50;

2005 — 74;

2006 — 51;

2007 — 67.

In 2007, Construction, Fishing and Agriculture recorded the highest number of fatalities. The increase in fatalities in the Fishing sector resulted from a number of well-publicised drowning tragedies.

This year, to date, 30 work-related fatalities were reported to the Health and Safety Authority as follows:

Ireland has an unusual statistical profile in relation to work-related injuries and fatalities. According to the latest statistics from Eurostat, which only refer to 2005, Ireland has one of the lowest rates of reported work-related injury while, at the same time, having one of the higher rates of fatalities.

All fatalities in the workplace are a tragedy. Our rate is high and it is clear that a range of approaches is required to secure and maintain significant improvement.

While the Health and Safety Authority has operational responsibility for advice, support and enforcement in the workplace safety arena, the reality is that the State on its own cannot deliver safety in the workplace. Safe workplaces can only be delivered by those who control and work in them.

This year, targeted inspections by the Authority will be risk based. The aim is to target the Authority's resources effectively throughout 2008, focusing on prioritised workplaces, and those companies, regions and sectors with a poor compliance record.

The following is a tabular statement on workplace fatal accidents for the years in question broken down by sector.