Organisation information
Chemicals Regulation
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Our Safety, Health and Chemicals Policy Unit acts as a liaison mechanism between the Department and the Health and Safety Authority, while also formulating and developing policy in relation to occupational health and safety and chemicals at national, EU and international levels, and ensuring that Irish law reflects our EU and international commitments.
With regard to chemicals, we are responsible for monitoring the effective discharge by the HSA of its remit under the Chemicals Acts 2008 and 2010 (for example, its central co-ordinating role under Section 8(4) of the Chemicals Act 2008 and the Section 9 provision regarding co-operation arrangements with other national authorities) and other chemicals legislation for which we are responsible (for example, asbestos, chemical agents, ADR (carriage of dangerous goods by road)).
In addition to our work with the Health and Safety Authority, we interact with a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies with distinct responsibilities in relation to the regulation of chemicals in Ireland, and with other stakeholders such as industry. The Unit chairs meetings of a Chemicals Interdepartmental/Agency Group and represents Ireland at EU level.
The principle interface with the public is, generally, by way of enquiries seeking information about relevant legislation.
Email: chemicals@enterprise.gov.ie
The Health and Safety Authority operates a chemicals helpdesk to assist Irish companies with their obligations under various pieces of chemicals legislation, including CLP and REACH. The Helpdesk can be contacted by emailing chemicals@hsa.ie or by calling 0818 289 389.
Learn more about chemicals across government here.