Policy Agenda
IIESMS positions on key policy issues across our five disciplines.
IIESMS Policy Agenda
The IIESMS policy agenda reflects the professional priorities of the Institute's membership across its five specialist disciplines. Through its sector groups, National Council, and government engagement channels, the Institute advocates for policies that support professional standards, public safety, and the career development of engineers and safety professionals in Ireland.
The policy agenda is not a static document - it evolves as regulatory requirements change, new challenges emerge, and member priorities shift. Sector group committees regularly review and update the policy priorities for their disciplines, ensuring that the Institute's advocacy remains relevant and responsive to the current professional environment.
Policy Priorities
IIESMS engages on policy across five key areas, reflecting the breadth of its professional disciplines.
Fire Safety Standards
Advocating for effective fire safety legislation and enforcement, adequate resourcing of fire authorities, and the adoption of current standards including IS 3218:2024, PAS 79-1:2020, and TGD-B requirements.
Workplace Safety
Supporting strong implementation of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, effective HSA enforcement, and evidence-based approaches to workplace risk management and prevention.
Professional Recognition
Promoting the value of professional body membership, recognised qualifications, and structured CPD in ensuring competent professional practice across engineering and safety disciplines.
Healthcare Standards
Supporting effective HIQA regulation, adequate standards for fire safety and facilities management in healthcare, and recognition of healthcare engineering as a specialist discipline.
EU Alignment
Ensuring Irish professional standards remain aligned with EU directives and best practice, supporting cross-border professional recognition, and engaging in European policy development.
How Policy Priorities Are Set
Policy priorities emerge from sector group discussions, member feedback, regulatory developments, and engagement with government and industry. Each sector group committee identifies the most significant issues affecting its discipline and recommends priorities to the National Council. The Council reviews and coordinates these priorities into the Institute's overall policy agenda.
This bottom-up approach ensures that the Institute's advocacy reflects the real concerns and expertise of working professionals, rather than abstract policy positions. When IIESMS engages on fire safety legislation, the position is informed by fire risk assessors and fire safety managers who work with that legislation daily. When the Institute contributes to workplace safety consultations, the input comes from safety officers and consultants who implement safety management systems in Irish workplaces.
Getting Involved
Members who want to contribute to the Institute's policy work can do so through their sector group committee. Attend committee meetings, propose topics, contribute to consultation responses, and share your professional insights on the regulatory and policy issues that affect your practice.
If you are aware of a policy development, consultation, or regulatory change that should be on the Institute's agenda, contact your sector group chair or email [email protected]. Your professional perspective is the foundation of effective policy advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the IIESMS policy agenda
Through sector group committees identifying priority issues, National Council review, and engagement with regulatory developments. Priorities are member-driven and practice-informed.
Yes. Engage through your sector group committee, propose topics, contribute to consultation responses, and share your professional insights.
The Senate nomination gives IIESMS direct representation in the legislative process, complementing formal submissions to government consultations.
Yes. Participation in policy submissions, standards development, and committee-level advocacy is recognised as informal CPD.
Through Erasmus+ projects with European university partners and engagement with EU-level policy developments affecting engineering and safety standards.
Policy submissions
IIESMS responds to government consultations on workplace safety, fire protection, and building standards. Members with relevant expertise are welcome to contribute.