asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that of the 92 factories in County Clare only 28 were inspected in the year 1936, and whether he is in a position to state what steps are being taken by the inspection staff in his Department to secure a more efficient system of inspection under the Factory and Workshop Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Factories.
The total number of premises on the Register of Factories and Workshops in County Clare in 1936 was 263, and of these 103 were inspected in the course of that year.
The inspection staff has been increased, and up to date 98.5 per cent. of all the premises in County Clare on the Register of Factories and Workshops has been inspected this year.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention was directed to the report for the year 1936, published by his Department in pursuance of Section 118 (7) of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901; whether he is aware that the report discloses in respect to the five-year period 1932 to 1936, inclusive, that the percentage of inspections was equal to an annual average of only 46.2 as against an annual average of 84.1 in the previous five-year period ended December 31st, 1931, and whether he is in a position to give an assurance that steps will be taken immediately to secure an adequate and efficient system of factory inspection throughout the country.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that only 50 per cent. of the factories in County Cork were inspected by officers of his Department in 1936; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction that exists regarding the inspection machinery of the Department, he is in a position to state what steps are being taken to improve it.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that in the year 1936 only 55 of the 142 registered factories in County Kilkenny were inspected under the Factory and Workshop Act by officers of his Department; and whether he can now state what steps are being taken by the inspection staff to secure a more adequate inspection of factories and workshops in County Kilkenny.
I propose to answer questions Nos. 15, 16 and 17 together.
For reasons which were given in reply to previous questions in the Dáil the percentage of inspections declined considerably during the years 1932-1934, inclusive. The staff of inspectors has, however, been continuously increased since that time with the result that the percentage of inspections was between 60 per cent. and 70 per cent. in 1935 and 1936, and it is hoped that in the current year the percentage of inspections will show still further improvement.
Will the Minister say to what extent the staff was increased in the period under review?
Considerably.
That is not the question I asked. I asked to what extent the staff was increased.
I am not in a position to give that information.
The position with regard to the factory inspection system is a disgrace to the State. It is clear from the information published by the Minister that there is no adequate factory inspection in operation here, and that it is operating against employees.
I do not think the Deputy's contention is true.
The figures prove that there is no adequate factory inspection.