asked the Minister for Labour if he will arrange for factory inspectors, on the completion of an inspection, to issue a copy of their report to the trade union responsible for serving the interests of the people employed at the particular place of employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory Inspections.
10.
The industrial inspectors report to me as the person statutorily responsible for administering the laws and regulations governing occupational safety, health and welfare. I am empowered to prosecute for breaches of the laws and regulations and, where appropriate, I do so, In consultation with the legal advisers. I would not consider it appropriate that copies of my inspectors' reports should be sent to the various trade unions.
Why?
There is a certain amount of confidentiality about them, for one thing.
Is the Minister suggesting that the trade unions would not treat them with confidence?
In some cases there are a number of unions in the same concern; in some cases there may be none.
If there is none, there is no need to send them to any trade union. Is there?
No. The inspector's reports cover a great many matters.
Would the Minister tell us what these matters are?
In relation to the health, safety and welfare of the workers.
Is that not the concern also of the unions?
It is the concern of everybody, but I think it is very well dealt with by the inspectors.
Would the Minister not agree that the unions are far more likely to be concerned about it than the employers who might have to spend money to rectify it?
Every industry has the right and indeed is encouraged to have a NISO committee within it which can take an active interest in these matters. We do prefer the inspectorate to be called in in an advisory capacity. They are always prepared to do this rather than going in to pounce and prosecute.
Question No. 11.
Surely the Minister must agree that one of the reasons why these committees are not functioning as well as one would hope is because they are being ignored in many cases by the factory inspectors?
Without giving the full report, which may be confidential, surely the inspector could inform the trade union or the trade unions concerned that an employer is not carrying out the instructions laid down by the inspector?
The inspector carries out an inspection and if he finds that there are certain regulations not being properly complied with he makes them known to the management and has a further inspection when there has been time for them to have the position rectified. If this has not been carried out a prosecution takes place.
Would the Minister not agree——
Question No. 11. We cannot debate this question all evening.
——that the life of a worker is a very high price to pay for the niceties of the——
I called Question No. 11.
Does the Minister regard these reports as coming under the Official Secrets Act?
A worker has to be 50 years dead before they are published.
No, I do not. Deputies do not seem to appreciate how it works.
We appreciate it all right. Does the Minister regard it as coming under the Official Secrets Act?
(Interruptions.)
The builders of this country are the greatest offenders in regard to keeping the regulations.
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Question No. 11.
Why did the Minister single out that particular industry for mention when it was not relevant to the question?
Why do you not charge them if they make mistakes?
We do. We frequently are notified by employees, who are well aware of their rights in this respect. They are the people who are most vigilant. They give us the information and they know all the requirements and their rights under these regulations.
11.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of factory inspectors employed in the State; and if he will outline their functions.
The number of industrial inspectors at present employed in the Department of Labour is 38.
The main function of the industrial inspectors is to enforce the Acts and regulations which are designed to promote the safety, health and welfare of industrial workers including those employed in mines and quarries. They also have certain enforcement functions arising from the Holidays (Employees) Act, the Conditions of Employment Acts, the Office Premises Act and the Boiler Explosions Acts. In addition, the inspectors provide a safety advisory service and they co-operate in the whole field of industrial safety with the National Industrial Safety Organisation.
How does this compare with what the Minister would consider ideal?
A reasonable number to meet requirements would be 45. We have 38.
Has the Minister advertised?
Yes. Right now.
By how many has the number increased in the last 12 months?
I have given this information time and time again in the House. Factory inspectors have been amalgamated with the mines and quarries inspectors. Together they are known as industrial inspectors. Figures I gave a couple of years ago may have been in respect of one or other.
Is there any difference in qualifications?
Yes, more specialised qualifications are called for nowadays, at least in respect of mines and quarries.
Question No. 12.
How often do they visit each premises coming within this?
The number of visits at the end of September, 1971, was 17,946.
How many premises come under that heading? How many could have been visited?
No premises is left out unduly long.
Question No. 12.
The Minister's definition of "unduly long" might not be the same as mine.
We take it that is only four visits a week by each inspector?
That is not correct.