asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when it is proposed to introduce legislation for the protection of agricultural workers in view of the terms of a reply of 15th April, 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection of Agricultural Workers.
6.
This is a matter for consideration in conjunction with an examination which is at present being made by my Department of the whole position regarding the need for control of the use of poisonous substances in agriculture.
Would the Minister be able to give me any idea when he expects to be ready to introduce legislation?
It is difficult to be exact about this. As the Deputy is aware the Minister for Health, under certain of his powers, is contemplating certain regulations. We do not yet clearly see how they can tie in or how far they may be able to go in order to attain the end the Deputy is asking about here. We are not sure whether the Minister for Health would have sufficient powers or whether we will ultimately need to amend or produce new legislation on the agricultural side to cover the matter adequately and satisfactorily. This depends on what can be done and how effective measures under the health legislation are.
The Minister would not be in a position to give me information until after the Minister for Health has dealt with this matter?
I did not say that, but certainly it will not be dealt with until the considerations of the Minister for Health are finalised. It would be unwise to duplicate regulations in this direction. We are in close touch with the Department of Health on this matter.