asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that none of the 574 factories and workshops in the City and County of Limerick was visited by the factory inspection staff during 1934 and whether he is in a position to give an assurance that a system of inspection will be introduced to provide against laxity of this kind.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory and Workshops Inspection.
Dr. Ryan
I am aware that factories and workshops in the City and County of Limerick were not inspected under the Factory and Workshop Acts during 1934. In 1935, however, a high percentage of the premises on the register were thoroughly inspected. Steps are being taken to ensure that an adequate number of inspectors will be available in future.
Mr. Hogan
(Clare) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in the year 1934 there were 81 factories and 169 workshops situated in County Clare on the Official Register; whether he is aware that not even one of these premises was visited or inspected during the year; whether he can state why no inspection was carried out and whether he will take steps to secure that a methodical inspection of factories and workshops will be undertaken at frequent intervals in future.
Dr. Ryan
I am aware that the factories and workshops situated in County Clare were not inspected during the year 1934. This was due to shortage of staff. Early in 1935 a thorough inspection of factories and workshops in County Clare was carried out. Steps are being taken to ensure that an adequate staff of inspectors will be available.