Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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430. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the average training time for a new HSA inspector; her plans to expedite this process in view of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7559/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Health and Safety Authority has a well-established Inspector Development Programme in place, whereby newly appointed inspectors complete a training programme which consists of 12 distinct modules. This development programme is normally delivered over a 6 month period and is augmented by a programme of accompanied inspections whereby the trainee shadows an experienced inspector.

The additional resources to be provided for the Health and Safety Authority in respect of compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol will be specialist officials who already have sectoral business inspection responsibilities and training. In this regard, they will be able to work with the Health and Safety Authority to ensure the implementation of the Protocol in workplaces. Compliance with the COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol will become part of the normal inspection regime.