asked the Minister for Labour the incidence of brucellosis among workers in the meat industry and the measures being taken to protect them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Incidence.
1.
Brucellosis in humans is a general health problem in that it is associated with farmers, veterinarians and members of the general public, as well as with workers in meat factories.
Information available from returns of prescribed diseases to the Department of Social Welfare and of infectious diseases to the Department of Health provides only a rough guide as to the extent of brucellosis as an occupational health hazard. For this reason, I asked my industrial medical adviser, in co-operation with the Department of Social Medicine at TCD, to undertake a joint study on the problem of occupational brucellosis in the meat industry. The study has been concluded and its results will be published shortly.
The most effective long term approach to health protection against brucellosis is the eradication of the disease from the national herd, for which an intensive programme is in progress. However, as a result of the information available from the joint study about the exposure of workers in the meat industry, I have directed, as an interim arrangement, the preparation of guidelines for the industry which will, I expect, be issued to the industry within the next few weeks.
The guidelines set out detailed procedures to be observed in handling brucellosis reactors and condemned material. When the final results of the study have been analysed I will consider whether further action, such as the making of statutory regulations in the matter, should be taken.
I realise the study is to be published, but in advance of its publication could you give any indication of the number of people who have contracted brucellosis?
That is a separate question.
As I said, the report will be published soon. It was confined to some geographical areas, and when the conclusions have been analysed I will decide whether regulations for the protection of workers are needed.
May I direct the Minister's attention to the terms of the question, which asked about the incidence of brucellosis among workers? Could he answer that question and tell us what information he has? He told us a study had been carried out and that the conclusions will be published. Therefore, he should have the courtesy to give that information to the House, if he has it.
As I explained, the study has been carried out. I asked my industrial medical adviser, in co-operation with the Department of Social Medicine at TCD, to undertake a joint study which, I understand, was carried out in geographical areas not on a countrywide basis. The report will be published shortly and the Deputy will learn what it contains. I have decided in the meantime that in the interests of the workers' health, guidelines will be issued for the industry. Having further analysed the position, I will then consider whether regulations should be made in the interests of the workers concerned.
The Minister said all that before but he still has not answered my question.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is brucellosis a disease for which a person can make a claim under the Occupational Injuries Act?
As the Deputy should know, the Minister of the day has the opportunity to make any regulations in any areas, such as brucellosis, which affect the health of workers.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it a disease for which a workman can now claim under the Occupational Injuries Act?
The Minister does not know the answer.
(Interruptions.)
Have a little manners. Regulations can be made in respect of any disease or any injury which may befall a worker in the course of his work. It is not for me to decide what specific health hazard comes under any claim.
(Cavan-Monaghan): There is a list of diseases scheduled under the Occupational Injuries Act as a result of orders or otherwise made by the Minister. I am asking a simple straightforward question. Is brucellosis one of those diseases? Surely he can answer that with a yes or no?
Brucellosis, like any other disease, has become an occupational injury——
The simple answer is that the Minister does not know.
That is not correct. For the Deputy's information, the Minister was so concerned about this, unlike his predecessors, that he asked for this report to be carried out. As a result, he will be introducing guidelines which were not introduced up to now, and when the report is further analysed, he will then decide whether regulations are necessary. In other words, I was cognisant of the fact that there was a problem and was prepared to take some positive action.
(Cavan-Monaghan): As of now, can a person stricken with brucellosis in the course of his work make a claim under the Occupational Injuries Act?
The Minister does not know.
May I tell the Deputy, who is displaying such ignorance, that claims have been made.
Have they been conceded?
(Cavan-Monaghan): Therefore, this disease falls under the Act. If that is so, the Minister should be able to tell us the number of claims that have been made under the Act. That would give some indication of the number of people who have contracted the disease.
I am not the guardian of the occupational injuries benefits which fall under another Minister. This again shows how little the Deputy knows about the workings of the Department.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is no wonder the country is strikebound if that is the Minister's attitude to people who approach him.