Influencing
How IIESMS engages with government, regulators, and industry.
IIESMS Advocacy and Influence
IIESMS plays an active role in influencing policy and regulation that affects its members and the wider engineering and safety professions in Ireland. Through direct government engagement, formal submissions to consultations, participation in European projects, and representation at the highest levels of Irish governance, the Institute ensures that the professional expertise of its members informs the development of legislation, standards, and policy.
The Institute's influencing activity is grounded in the practical expertise of its membership. When IIESMS contributes to a government consultation on fire safety regulations, that contribution reflects the frontline experience of fire risk assessors, fire safety managers, and fire engineers who work with those regulations daily. When the Institute provides input on workplace safety policy, it draws on the knowledge of safety officers, consultants, and managers who implement safety management systems across Irish industry.
This connection between policy advocacy and professional practice is what makes IIESMS contributions credible and valuable. The Institute does not lobby for abstract policy positions - it represents the informed professional view of practitioners who understand the practical implications of legislative and regulatory change.
Senate Representation
The most significant expression of IIESMS's influence is the privilege granted by the Irish Government to nominate a representative to the Industry and Commerce panel of the Irish Senate (Seanad Eireann). This privilege places IIESMS alongside a select group of professional bodies that the State recognises as making a meaningful contribution to Irish industrial and commercial life.
The Senate nomination privilege gives IIESMS a direct voice in the legislative process. Through the nominated representative, the Institute can contribute to debates on legislation affecting workplace safety, fire protection, building standards, healthcare regulation, and industrial policy. This representation benefits not only IIESMS members but the wider public, as it ensures that professional expertise informs the laws and regulations that protect workers, building occupants, and patients.
The privilege also enhances the professional standing of IIESMS members. Membership of an Institute recognised at the highest levels of Irish governance carries weight with employers, clients, and regulators. It distinguishes IIESMS from professional bodies that lack this level of government recognition.
In January 2025, IIESMS exercised its Seanad nomination privilege for the first time in the Institute's modern era. Councillor Joe Kelly, the Institute's Chairperson and former Mayor of Waterford, was nominated for the Industrial and Commercial Panel of Seanad Eireann. While unsuccessful in that particular contest, the nomination demonstrated that the privilege remains active and that IIESMS is prepared to use its constitutional role in Irish civic life.
How IIESMS Influences
The Institute engages through multiple channels to represent its members' interests and contribute professional expertise to policy development.
Government Consultations
Responding to formal consultations issued by government departments, the HSA, and regulatory bodies on fire safety, workplace health and safety, building control, healthcare regulation, and industrial policy. Submissions draw on sector group expertise.
Senate Representation
Exercising the privilege of nominating a representative to the Industry and Commerce panel of the Irish Senate, providing direct legislative influence for the engineering and safety professions.
European Partnerships
Participating in EU-funded projects through Erasmus+ partnerships with European universities, contributing to the development of professional standards and education across the European Union.
Standards Development
Contributing to the development and review of Irish and international standards relevant to the Institute's five disciplines, including fire safety, building services, and workplace safety standards.
Industry Advocacy
Representing the interests of engineering and safety professionals in discussions with industry bodies, employer organisations, and trade associations on matters affecting professional practice.
Public Interest
Advocating for policies that protect public safety, including fire safety standards in buildings, workplace safety regulations, healthcare facility standards, and environmental protection measures.
Member Involvement in Advocacy
IIESMS advocacy is driven by its members. Each sector group identifies priority issues through committee discussions and member feedback, then coordinates responses to relevant consultations and policy developments. Members contribute their specialist expertise to drafting submissions, participating in working groups, and reviewing proposed legislation and standards.
Contributing to IIESMS policy and advocacy work is a valuable form of professional development. It develops understanding of the regulatory and policy context of your discipline, builds skills in evidence-based argumentation, and provides exposure to the strategic dimension of professional practice. Committee involvement and contribution to submissions are recognised as CPD activities.
If you are aware of an upcoming consultation, regulatory change, or policy development that affects your sector, raise it with your sector group committee or contact the Institute at [email protected]. Your professional experience and practical insight strengthen every submission the Institute makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IIESMS advocacy and influencing
The Irish Government has granted IIESMS the right to nominate a representative to the Industry and Commerce panel of the Irish Senate. This provides direct legislative influence for the engineering and safety professions.
Through formal responses to consultations, contributions to white papers, participation in policy working groups, and through the Senate nomination. Sector groups coordinate responses drawing on members' specialist expertise.
Yes. Members with relevant expertise are encouraged to contribute to IIESMS consultation responses and policy submissions through their sector group committees. Contact your committee chair or the Institute to get involved.
IIESMS participates in Erasmus+ funded projects with university partners in Kosovo, Portugal, and Spain, developing shared curricula and professional development resources for engineering and safety professionals.
Yes. Contributing to policy submissions, participating in standards development, and engaging in committee-level advocacy activities are recognised as informal CPD activities.
IIESMS is independent of the Health and Safety Authority. The Institute responds to HSA consultations, contributes to HSA-led initiatives, and supports members in understanding and implementing HSA guidance and enforcement expectations.
Contribute
IIESMS engages with government on workplace safety, fire protection, and building standards. Members with policy or regulatory experience are welcome to contribute.