asked the Minister for Labour whether existing legislation provides for the treatment and investigation of diseases which are peculiar to certain industrial employments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Diseases.
28.
Under the Health Acts administered by the Minister for Health provision is made for the general medical treatment of eligible persons. This includes treatment of diseases referred to in the question.
In the case of persons not eligible for free medical treatment, provision is made in the Occupational Injuries Act, 1966 whereby the cost of treatment may be met from the Occupational Injuries Fund. This is administered by the Minister for Social Welfare.
Provision is made in the Factories Act and the Mines and Quarries Act for the reporting of certain prescribed occupational diseases and the investigation of these by doctors appointed for the purpose under the Acts.
In addition, these doctors are required, under regulations made under the Factories Acts, to examine periodically workers liable to be exposed to poison or disease in a number of specified trades.
In view of the health problems arising from general industrial expansion and technological innovations I have arranged for a special survey of health hazards in Irish industry to be carried out under the supervision of a team of university and industrial medical interests and officials of the industrial inspectorate of the Department of Labour.
Has the Minister any plans for extending this section?
Yes, due to changes in the technological process in many industries recently we are trying to get more scientifically qualified inspectors.
Are there any special facilities for the training of these inspectors? Are there any courses abroad?
Yes, we hope to train them.