Jim Higgins
Question:121 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of officials and inspectors who are entitled to call on the average small grocery shop for inspection or regulatory purposes.
Written Answers. - Inspection of Grocery Shops.
In so far as my Department is concerned, there are various legislative requirements which involve a capacity to inspect the activities of establishments subject to the statutory requirements.
The legislation would cover such matters as weights and measures, consumer protection, competition regulation and safety health and welfare of workers.
The inspection and regulatory arrangements vary depending on the legislation in question. Details are given below.
Inspectors who may visit retail outlets
Weights and Measures
Fourty-four Weights and Measures Inspectors, in all cases Garda Sergeants, located throughout the State, are involved in inspecting measuring equipment.
Quantity Control
Six Quantity Control Inspectors, located throughout the State, are involved in verifying weight declarations on pre-packaged goods. In practice, these inspectors visit packaging plants to carry out their tests.
Office of Consumer Affairs
Twelve Inspectors are involved in enforcing a wide range of consumer and trade protection laws.
Labour Inspectorate
The Department's Labour Inspectorate has responsibility for enforcing statutory minimum wages and conditions of employment in a range of employments covered by Employment Regulation Orders including the retail trade. There are ten such Inspectors involved in this area.
Safety and Health
Fourty-eight Inspectors are involved in enforcing the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.