Calls for new legislation on industrial deaths

The spate of industrial deaths has sparked calls for new criminal legislation to match the causes.

The latest fatal incident, this time at the Ispat steel plant in Cork, has cost the life of 53-year-old Thomas Mulcahy from the city, who died after being trapped in a blazing laboratory amidst reports that the on-site fire engine had failed to start.

Labour's employment spokesman Pat Rabbitte is preparing a Dail private members bill to create the offence of corporate manslaughter.