The Government is consulting the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to establish whether legislation on construction site safety needs to be strengthened, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern said yesterday. This examination of the legislation was being done in the light of the number of fatalities recently in the building industry, and the outspoken comments of a High Court judge, who criticised the safety record of Zoe Developments.
Mr Ahern said he believed the level of fines applicable under the law was not at issue as the HSA could go to a higher court if it so wished. But if the review showed up deficiencies, they would certainly be addressed, he said.