asked the Minister for Health the present statutory controls in relation to noise in discotheques; whether he is aware of widespread scientific data relating to the hearing damage inevitable arising from decibel levels above a certain limit; and if he proposes to introduce mandatory controls in respect of the present apparently uncontrolled noise levels in such entertainment outlets.
Written Answers. - Control of Noise Levels.
623.
There are no statutory powers available to me for the control of noise in discotheques. The risk of damage to hearing by excessive noise levels has long been recognised. The degree of risk is known to be related to the level and the duration of the exposure to excessive noise.
The persons most at risk are, of course, the operators of amplification equipment and the workers on the premises who may be constantly exposed to excessive noise levels. The patrons run less of a risk as they are not constantly exposed to the noise.
I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Labour, that a draft directive for the protection of workers from exposure to noise is at present under consideration by the European Community. The draft directive extends to the protection of workers in discotheques and other places of entertainment and, if adopted, should also constitute a measure for the protection of the patrons of discotheques.