asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether representations were made to him by any of the existing trade boards that the present inspection arrangements are not adequate to secure effective enforcement of the board's determinations, whether it is a fact that in the case of the trades covered by one board at least, only 5 per cent. of the premises affected were inspected last year and whether in the cases inspected a substantial number of the employers concerned were found not to have complied with the determinations of the trade board; and if it is his intention to make provision at an early date for more effective inspection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Boards.
Representations have been made to me by some of the existing trade boards in respect of present inspection arrangements. It is not a fact that, in the case of any trade covered by a trade board, inspection was as low as 5 per cent. last year. In the case of firms coming under the trade board determinations it was discovered that a number of the employers had not complied with the determinations of the trade boards and necessary action was taken to enforce compliance. Inspection services were adversely affected over a certain period by the general pressure of work in my Department but this is being remedied as rapidly as possible.