asked the Minister for Labour the current number of premises and work places on the register to which the Factories Act applies; the number of inspectors and senior inspectors currently on the factory inspectorate staff; and when his Department's plan for expansion of this staffing will be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Factories.
54.
The number of premises on the Factories Act register on 30th September, 1968, was 13,637.
The number of factory inspectors at present serving is 21, of whom nine are Grade III, which is the basic entrance grade, and the remainder in higher grades.
Completion of the expansion of the staff of the inspectorate will depend on how quickly suitable additional staff can be recruited. At present the Civil Service Commissioners are holding a competition to fill 11 Grade III appointments.
What number does the Minister think is adequate to meet this demand?
The existing number are able to get around over 70 per cent of the factories each year. I think the number being recruited will bring it up to a reasonably adequate service.