asked the Minister for Labour if the survey regarding noise levels has been completed; and if he will state the present position in the matter.
16.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Noise Pollution.
15.
asked the Minister for Labour if he is now in a position to elaborate on the Government's proposals regarding noise pollution in the industrial environment.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
As indicated in the report of the Industrial Inspectorate for 1972, the survey of noise levels in 908 industrial premises in which 93,985 persons were employed was completed during 1972. It was found that 5,195 workers were exposed to excessive noise levels.
The medical consultant attached to my Department, whom I appointed last year for a period, for the purposes of the environmental health hazards survey in industry has since been in communication with a number of the firms concerned.
I am having regulations drafted under section 71 of the Factories Act, 1955, in consultation with the Minister for Health which will oblige employers of workers exposed to excessively high noise levels to take measures to abate the noise pollution in their factories.
The Minister has not made much progress since I raised the matter last May. The answer is the same.
I do not know what is the Deputy's estimate of progress. As this was a serious matter I decided to appoint a medical person to my Department to conduct a survey. This has now been completed and I have the report in my possession. As I mentioned, we have finished our survey of the areas of maximum noise and will be bringing forward the necessary regulations.
Will they cover dance halls?
If one enters voluntarily the zone of noise we can do nothing about it.