Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the average timeframe for inspection under HSA regulations; and if the delay in filling key posts is having an effect on same. [53669/19]

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.  Among the core elements of the Authority’s mandate is the regulation and promotion of the safety, health and welfare of people at work and those affected by work activities.  

In any given year, the Authority completes a programme of targeted inspections which may be proactive or driven by specific inspection campaigns.  It also conducts investigations which arise from accidents reported and complaints received.  

The time taken to undertake an inspection is not prescribed by statute and is dependent on the unique circumstances at the place of work under inspection and the issues identified by the inspector. As each inspection and investigation concerns a unique set of inter-connected factors it is therefore not possible to provide an average timeframe.  

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.