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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 4

Written Answers. - Occupational Health Seminar.

Bernard Allen

Question:

181 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to a recent statement made by a person (details supplied) at a seminar on occupational health that between 20 and 30 per cent of workers are totally unsuited to night work which can cause fatigue, nervous psychosomatic disorders and digestive illnesses; and if he will outline the steps he proposes to take on the contents of the report.

The statement referred to by the Deputy had not come previously to my attention. However, I have asked the health and safety authority, who have responsibility for the day-to-day administration of occupational safety and health matters, to examine the origins and background to the statement.

In the meantime, the Deputy may be interested to know that there are two proposals for directives on night work under discussion at present at the European Community Social Affairs Council. One proposal deals with the regulation of night work where pregnant workers, breastfeeding workers or workers who have recently given birth are concerned. A second proposal deals with the question of night work in relation to workers in general. Discussions on these two proposals are continuing at Community level.

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