Answer to Question 1:

Pat,

The Safety, Health and Welfare (Construction) Regulations 2006 were signed on Thursday, 28 September 2006 by Tony Killeen, Minister for Labour Affairs and will come into force on 6th November.  A full copy of the new legislation can be found at this link:

http://www.hsa.ie/files/file_20061003035038si504_2006.pdf