Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Finance if a risk assessment (details supplied) has been carried out with particular reference to reducing the risk of a disease. [44775/08

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The Commissioners of Public Works are responsible for the health and safety of its own employees in buildings under its direct control. In all other OPW properties, occupied by Government Departments or Agencies, the health and safety of building occupants is in the first instance the responsibility of the occupying body.

Water systems and other building services are designed to current Standards and Codes fully cognisant of the dangers posed by legionella. Proper design practices can virtually eliminate the risk of legionella growth in water systems. The maintenance of such systems is carried out in a manner that ensures that the hazards are controlled and the OPW has a programme of audits on larger buildings and complexes to ensure that the control strategy is effective.

The Safety Statements (Risk Assessments) in OPW buildings are prepared with due regard to the risks posed by legionella.