asked the Minister for Labour if any progress has been made by the Government with regard to the serious problem of noise in the industrial environment; and if he has any proposals to introduce a remedial programme to overcome it.
153.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Environment Noise.
152.
asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of a report (details supplied) that a noise dose meter has been developed; and if he will consider its introduction into industries which have a serious noise problem.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
A survey of noise levels in industry was carried out last year by the industrial inspectorate of my Department and a medical follow-up of this survey is at present in progress. I hope to have a report soon and I shall then consider what action would be appropriate. I am aware that various kinds of noise dose meters have been developed and I shall take this into account in my examination of the problem.
Would the Minister say when I should repeat the question? After Christmas?
We have a study of noise levels in industry and its possible effect on workers as a pretty recent development. We have completed one survey of noise levels in the most likely areas and factories are the most likely areas. That was completed in 1972. There is a survey at present in progress of selected personnel from the factories. We found, for example, in that survey that, out of 908 premises employing 93,985 persons, only 5,195 were exposed to excessive noise. We are now having a survey of those who were subjected to excessive noise and as soon as the result of that survey is available I will see what regulation should be made, if that is necessary. I imagine a regulation would be required because even though there may be only a minority of workers subject to excessive noise the damage to the individual might be profound. I intend to frame the necessary regulation when the survey is completed. If the Deputy repeats the question soon after Christmas I hope to be able to report.
Thank you.
Would the Minister agree that there should be a survey of dance halls?
Yes, I suppose the advice always is that we should stay out of discotheques.