I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter. I acknowledge Unite’s concerns and those of the family of the late Matthew Campbell regarding the protection of workers from extreme weather events. These concerns are understandable and the well-being of workers in all conditions must remain a priority. I am satisfied, however, that strong protections already exist in current Irish legislation. Ensuring that Irish workplaces are healthy and safe is a key priority for me and for our Department. A robust occupational safety and health regulatory framework is in place, which is essential in supporting that priority and the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, plays a vital role in delivering it. Irish law already regulates work carried out in high or low temperatures. Employers are legally required to assess the health and safety risks present in their workplace, including risks from excessive heat, storms or driving for work. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must conduct a risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate the risks they pose and put appropriate measures in place to protect employees. Extremes of temperature are defined as a hazard and must be addressed accordingly. Although there are no plans at present to introduce paid climate leave for extreme weather events, the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, provides guidelines on employer and employee rights and responsibilities during severe weather. The guidance is available to the public on the WRC website. Any arrangement with regard to the provision of paid leave during extreme weather events is a matter for agreement between the employer and the employee. Some employers provide for such leave as part of their policies and it may be provided for in a contract of employment between the employer and employee. My Department met officials of Unite to discuss their proposals and offered to facilitate engagement between Unite and the HSA on this matter. I encourage Unite to accept this offer to explore ways to further enhance and amplify messaging regarding extreme weather risks in the workplace.

Sentiment score: 0.24

I reaffirm that worker safety remains a core priority of our Department's ethos. The existing legislative framework I outlined is strong, comprehensive and designed to ensure employers assess risk and take all necessary steps to protect staff from extreme temperatures and other hazards. While there are currently no plans to introduce paid leave for extreme weather events, guidance is available with regard to employers' and employees' rights and responsibilities during severe weather events. The HSA has a key role to play in this regard and it provides guidance, oversight and timely communication during these events, ensuring that workplaces are fully informed about their obligations and fully prepared. I reiterate my Department’s offer for further engagement with Unite to facilitate engagement with the HSA. That is where this conversation needs to start, discussing how we can further enhance and amplify messaging and continue to ensure our workplaces are safe during these events.

Sentiment score: 0.45