Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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225. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the full complement of staff at the Health and Safety Authority; and the areas in which vacancies exist. [53668/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Health and Safety Authority was established in 1989 under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.

The Authority has a broad remit which includes the regulation and promotion of the safety, health and welfare of people at work and those affected by work activities; the regulation and promotion of the safe manufacture, use, placing on the market, trade and transport of chemicals; acting as a surveillance authority in relation to relevant single European market legislation; and acting as the National Accreditation Body for Ireland.

The Authority currently employs 180 staff which equates to 172.3 whole time equivalent staff.

In addition, the Authority is carrying a number of vacancies in sanctioned posts which include inspectorate posts, administrative posts and accreditation officer posts. The Authority has experienced some delays in 2019 in filling sanctioned posts due to a competitive recruitment market. The Authority is, however, continuing to meet the main objectives of its annual Programme of Work.