Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 582: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all the portable electrical equipment in his Department and subsidiary or grant aided companies, local authorities and so on have portable appliance test certificates as required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation S.I. No. 299 of 2007; if not, the reason for same; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a PAT must be carried out on all moveable electrical equipment in offices, centres and so on, to ensure the safety and welfare of both employees and employers; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that records of all such tests must be kept for at least five years to allow the Health and Safety Authority to carry out random spot checks and that insurance companies and underwriters are already seeking proof of compliance prior to renewal of policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6463/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department is aware of the requirements for portable appliance testing and the keeping of records for such tests in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Where necessary, these requirements are addressed as part of overall compliance management processes, including through the adoption of safe operating procedures and the conduct of regular risk assessments undertaken as part of the Department's health and safety programme. A number of officers in the Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service - where the need for PAT tests may arise more frequently - are qualified testers.

With regard to state bodies under the aegis of the Department, and local authorities, this is a matter for the bodies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities. In accordance with Department of Finance Public Financial Procedures, the Exchequer carries its own insurance.