Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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91. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of HSA inspections carried out specifically in relation to Covid-19 in third-level over the academic year 2020-2021 and to date in the current academic year. [52584/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The plan for the safe return to on-site activity for higher and further education for 2021/2022 academic year was published in September by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, each college would have prepared their own plans based on this.

From the 18 May 2020 to the 22 October 2021, a total of 45,976 inspections assessing compliance with the COVID-19 Work Safely Protocol have been carried out by the various State Agencies.

In the same period, the Health and Safety Authority has undertaken 14,399inspections and investigations of which 11,767addressed COVID-19.

The Health and Safety Authority prioritise their inspection programme based on the high risk sectors for occupational safety and health. The Authority continue to support their colleagues in public health by supporting and working with them in sectors where there has been a high number of COVID-19 outbreaks such as manufacturing (e.g. meat plants, construction, health and social care).

The Health and Safety Authority have carried out no proactive inspections in third level institutions specifically related to COVID-19. However, Department of Education inspectors have been carrying out COVID-19 compliance checks in the education sector which would include primary and secondary schools.