Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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58. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide figures on cases of asbestosis that are collated across the State on the asbestosis and mesothelioma register maintained by the Health and Safety Authority; the incidence of same in County Kildare, particularly in Athy when compared to the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3970/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 and 2010, which are enforced by the Health and Safety Authority, place obligations on employers and employees to ensure that the risk of exposure to asbestos is eliminated or reduced to a minimum and that any remaining residual risk is adequately controlled in accordance with the legislation.

The Regulations provide for the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work provide for the health surveillance of employees exposed to asbestos and for the maintenance of an occupational health register in relevant employments. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006) the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is required to maintain an Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Register of diseases which have been reported to the Authority.

Under the Regulations a registered medical practitioner who becomes aware of a case of asbestosis or mesothelioma is required to report that fact to the Authority which maintains the Register. I am informed that 61 cases have been recorded in the Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Register from June 2005 to date. Of these cases, 4 referenced asbestosis – 3 in Dublin and 1 in Kildare.