Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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388. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 366 of 11 June 2013, if revised draft regulations have been prepared for the OPC; the timeframe for the transposition of EU Directive 2010/32/EU on the Prevention of Sharp Injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45723/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The transposition deadline for the provisions of this Directive was 11 May 2013. As previously indicated to the Deputy, a number of legal issues were identified during consideration of the Draft Regulations and this has delayed completion. While work continues on resolving these issues, it was not possible to formally settle the proposed Regulations from a legal perspective in time to meet the transposition deadline of 11 May 2013 as set down in Article 3 of the Directive.

My Department is working with the OPC to find a solution to these outstanding legal issues in order to be in a position to introduce legislation that is workable and enforceable and that meets the requirements of the Directive.

My Department has been in contact with the European Commission to advise it of the delay in transposition and continues to keep them informed of progress. No sanction has been incurred as a result of the delay.

Notwithstanding that the "Sharps" Directive itself has yet to be transposed through national Regulations, the duties to maintain a safe and healthy workplace under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations still obtain.