Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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284. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a HSA investigation (details supplied). [46162/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Any death in the workplace is a sad moment, and one of immense personal loss to the friends and family of the person involved. I would therefore like to offer my personal condolences to the family and friends of the individual involved in this incident.

On a more general point, the investigation of workplace fatalities is a statutory function of the Health and Safety Authority in which I have no role. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the status of investigations being conducted by the Health and Safety Authority.

However, in respect of the particular incident to which the Deputy is referring, I am aware that the Health and Safety Authority has been in communication with the next of kin, and that they will keep them advised of the progress of the investigation and any decisions or actions arising from the investigation. I am also informed by the Health and Safety Authority that the inquest into the unfortunate death arising from this incident, opened on the 7th Nov 2019. I understand that the lead investigating inspector from the Health and Safety Authority was present at the inquest, after which he spoke to the next of kin and their legal representative, who were also present.

I would point out that the Health and Safety Authority cannot release any details of the investigation to any party while an investigation is ongoing in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation. I am sure the Deputy appreciates the necessity for this.