asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider including bronchial asthma as a prescribed occupational disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Prescribed Occupational Disease.
7.
I have decided to include bronchial asthma and some other occupational diseases as prescribed diseases under the occupational injuries scheme. Regulations are being prepared to give effect to this decision as soon as possible. The Federated Union of Employers and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions have been informed of the position.
Can the Minister tell us the other diseases he intends to include in the occupational injuries scheme?
I announced a short time ago that I had decided to include occupational deafness as well as occupational asthma and other occupational diseases suffered by workers exposed to certain toxic agencies, namely, workers manufacturing certain synthetic fibres and workers in the leather and footwear manufacturing industries. That was my decision on 22 April last. At that time I expected to have the regulations completed within three months.