asked the Minister for Labour if a company (name supplied) at Kilrush, County Clare, was prosecuted for breaches of the Factories Act safety regulations; the date of the prosecution; and the outcome.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factories Act Breaches.
20.
The firm referred to by the Deputy was prosecuted for three breaches of the Factories Act, 1955, on 2nd July, 1974, and was convicted on all counts.
Will the Minister state what action his Department or his inspectorate took to notify the people employed in the firm that the factory was in breach of the Factories Act, 1955?
The normal procedure is a visit by an inspector and, if there is a breach, prosecution would follow. Personally, I do not believe in making any excuses where there are breaches of the code by the employers.
Does the Minister realise the workers at this factory were not aware that the factory was in breach of regulations?
It often happens that employees in certain areas are not aware of their rights. It is the job of my inspectorate to remind them of their rights and to penalise employers who are in breach of the regulations.
Does the Minister not consider he should notify the people involved? There may be young people working on dangerous machines.
We do that. We attempt, by brochure and handbook, to inform them of their rights.
I am referring to a particular case where a firm is prosecuted and where a conviction is obtained, as happened in this case. Does the Minister not consider he has a responsibility in such case to bring the matter to the notice of the people working in the factory?
It generally follows where there is a breach that the workers are informed. This information is usually communicated to the trade union concerned.
Is the Minister saying the workers were not informed in this instance?
I am not aware whether the workers were informed of the prosecution in this case, although generally they are. To be quite accurate with the Deputy, I do not have information on that aspect but I shall certainly inquire.
Is the Minister aware——
The time has passed for questions.
Will the Minister state if the firm was a member of the National Industrial Safety Organisation? If not, would the Minister not consider it worthwhile to advise firms in such a situation to join that body with a view to making the necessary information available to workers who may be ignorant of the situation?
I am not aware if the firm was a member of the organisation.
Would the Minister not consider it worthwhile to encourage firms to become members?
The National Industrial Safety Organisation run their own campaign to encourage firms to become members. They are doing a good job in informing firms of the advantages of that organisation.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
May I ask the Minister a question?
This is not proper. The time is long past for questions.
Does the Minister not consider that he has a duty to ensure the industrial safety of workers? His Department should encourage firms to become members of the National Industrial Safety Organisation who provide a worthwhile service to firms.
Perhaps I will make a speech on that matter.
It would be more important than many other speeches the Minister has made.
Order. I have already told Deputies that we have concluded Question Time.
Yesterday I asked for a debate on the Adjournment on the subject matter of Question No. 125 on Thursday's Order Paper. I am now repeating that request.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.