Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 2

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Liz McManus

Question:

30 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace inspections carried out by labour inspectors for each month to date in 2003; if she has satisfied herself that there are a sufficient number of inspectors to carry out an adequate level of workplace inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24479/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey):

The numbers of workplace inspections or visits for each month to date in 2003 are as follows:

Month	Inspections/Visits
January	731
February	421
March	142
April	35
May	242
June	612
July	876
August	1,085
September	968
October	367

These figures amount to a total of 5,479 so far in 2003. The figures for September and October are subject to upward revision as the outdoor nature of inspectors' work means that some work returns can be delayed. The reduced numbers of labour inspectorate workplace inspections during some months relates to the demands placed on labour inspectorate staff arising from the development and implementation of a new computer system, the related training and familiarisation process and the consequent establishment of new work practices and procedures.

The first prototype of the new computer system appeared in January 2003. As development progressed and greater functionality was added, the testing regime inevitably became more complex. At the height of this particular development phase from March to May especially, all inspectors and administrative staff were committed, almost exclusively, to the testing process. Gradually this intensity of commitment diminished during the final lead up to the new system going live in mid June. I am confident that this investment in technology, approximately €900,000, together with the other actions mentioned, which are now in their final phase of implementation, will ensure that the inspectorate will emerge from the entire process with a much enhanced capacity to deliver on its remit in the future.

The Government authorised an increase in the number of labour inspectors to 17 in conjunction with the introduction of the National Minimum Wage Act in 2000. There are no plans at this stage to increase the number of inspectors further. I am satisfied the investment and actions described above will, as far as possible, ensure that employ ment rights and entitlements of all employees working in Ireland are protected.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 25.