asked the Minister for Labour whether he has any proposals for a policy or legislative initiative with regard to health, safety and life-style in the work place.
Written Answers. - Legislating for the Work Place.
185.
Ensuring that workers have safe and healthy workplaces is an important aspect of my Department's activities. The implementation of a targeted programme in 1988 to reduce accidents and ill health at work is one of my current priorities in this area. This relates to four sectors which account for about a third of reported accidents, i.e. construction, glass manufacture, processing of meat, fish and meat products and milk products. The programme involves enforcement, information and advice. My Department have consulted the social partners, who have welcomed the targeted programme and undertaken to co-operate in its implementation.
Nineteen eighty-nine has been designated as the EC's European Year Against Cancer and I have asked my Department to organise a programme aimed at highlighting protection for the workforce from carcinogens at work, to coincide with the EC's initiative. The programme will be organised in co-operation with the National Industrial Safety Organisation and the Irish Cancer Society.
As regards legislative initiatives, the Government are committed under the Programme for National Recovery to implementing the main recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Safety, Health and Welfare at Work. The drafting of legislation is now at an advanced stage and I would hope to introduce it in the Oireachtas as early as possible.