asked the Minister for Labour the steps taken by his Department to implement ILO Convention No. 119 in connection with the guarding of machinery, including agricultural machinery.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - ILO Convention .
4.
: The International Labour Organisation Convention No. 119 of 1963 which covers the guarding of machinery in general, has not been ratified by this country. The Government have decided that the convention is acceptable in principle but, as legislation would be necessary, consideration should be given in due course to the steps which would be necessary to implement the provisions of the instrument.
Safety of agricultural machinery and protection of agricultural workers do not come within my Department's functions at present. However, as I indicated in replying to the debate on the Second Stage of the Safety in Industry Bill on 23 May, I intend, following enactment of this legislation, to set up a working party to consider and make recommendations about safety in a wider context than is covered by the Department's existing legislation.
: When will the legislation be introduced as promised?
: The Deputy is referring to——
: In the first part of the Minister's reply he said legislation is necessary.
: The Minister for Labour is having areas not covered by his Safety and Industry Bill examined with a view to introducing legislation.
: Has the Minister any idea when the legislation will be introduced?
: New legislation?
: Yes?
: I presume consequent on the report of the committee.