53 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons killed and injured in accidents on building sites during 1998 and the first nine months of 1999; the plans, if any, she has to increase the level of penalties for breaches of the health and safely legislation by the construction industry; the plans, if any, she has to sanction the appointment of additional inspectors to ensure greater compliance; if she will appoint safety auditors for building sites as sought by union representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21991/99]

The administration, enforcement and promotion of occupational health and safety legislation is a day-to-day matter for the national authority for occupational safety and ealth, known as the Health and Safety Authority. Statistical information concerning the number of workplace fatalities and injuries is collected by the Health and Safety Authority. The authority's recently launched 1998 annual report shows that there was 22 fatalities in the construction sector in 1998, with seven other fatalities occurring as a result of construction related activities. Information on the number of persons killed or injured in workplace accidents in the first nine months of 1999 is obtainable directly from the authority at 10 Hogan Place, Dublin 2.