asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider updating the Factories Act, 1955, with regard to the working environment.
10.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workers' Welfare.
9.
asked the Minister for Labour if (a) the Factories Act, 1955, (b) the Office Premises Act, 1958, and (c) the Mines and Quarries Act are satisfactory in the context of the EEC or if they will need updating.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The legislation mentioned by the Deputy is being examined in detail with a view to formulating proposals for any legislative changes considered necessary in the light of the present and future needs of workers in the matter of safety, health and welfare, including the impact of environmental conditions. I hope to begin introducing legislation in this area later in the year.
An examination of safety regulations showed that 44 sets of regulations called for revision. Action was completed on 21 sets and I expect to complete the revision of the remaining 23 sets at an early date. These regulations cover the safety and health of workers in contact with specified materials or specified processes.
11.
asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that sections 10 and 11 of the Factories Act, 1955, which deal with cleanliness and overcrowding are being generally observed; and the number of prosecutions taken in the period April to September, 1973.
The inspectors of my Department find that, while the standard of cleanliness varies from time to time and from place to place, the situation in most cases is generally satisfactory. Where there is room for improvement, the inspectors inform the occupier and keep the matter under observation with a view to ensuring that proper standards are reached and maintained.
I should, however, mention that section 10 of the Factories Act has presented some problems of detailed enforcement because for the purposes of the Act, a "factory" can be anything from a shipyard to a film studio.
With regard to section 11 of the Act, which deals with the allocation of space necessary to ensure that, specifically, health is not at risk because of overcrowding, my inspectors find that the provision is being observed.
No prosecutions under section 10 or 11 were taken in the six months April to September, 1973.