asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of inspections carried out in the years 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964 in respect of employment regulation orders affecting law clerks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Law Clerks.
59.
The numbers of inspections carried out under the Employment Regulation Order (Law Clerks Joint Labour Committee) in the years mentioned were as follows: 1960—2; 1961—3; 1962—1; 1963— Nil; 1964—601.
Considering the fact that at one time inspections were not carried out except on a complaint—an entry which is to be found in the annual report of the Labour Court— could the Minister say why the change of policy in 1964?
I think the findings in other cases suggested the desirability of having routine inspections and this proved to be well founded.
The Minister has just told the House there were no inquiries in 1963. Is he now suggesting that it took the Labour Court over a year to carry out inspections they thought desirable following inquiries in 1962?
I do not know whether that means anything or not.
It does not.
It is a pointed question looking for a definite answer.
From the information available to the Minister, it was thought desirable to institute routine inspection and this has proved, as I say, to be well founded.
And to ensure that the conditions laid down are carried out.