asked the Minister for Labour if he has received representations from the Dublin city school attendance committee regarding allegations of exploitation of child labour by Dublin businesses; and if he will investigate such allegations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Labour.
23.
No representations have as yet been received from the Dublin School Attendance Committee, although I am aware from Press reports that it has been suggested that such representations would be made.
My Department, through its inspectorate, investigates any allegations made to it of illegal employment of children. The Act does permit limited employment of children under 15 on certain light, non-industrial work. My Department have been in touch recently with school attendance officers with a view to obtaining their co-operation, as regarding publicity for, and enforcement of, the Act.
May I ask if this is said to apply to cafés and pubs? There is also the question of the selling of national newspapers by youngsters. Has the Minister any powers to protect youngsters in these dreadful situations, selling newspapers, particularly in winter time? Is that subject to any control by his Department?
Yes, certainly cafés and pubs and I believe also the other activity referred to. A number of complaints of breaches have been received and have been investigated. In addition, the factory inspectorate on their normal inspection of work places investigate or inspect for any breaches under this Act. A number have been detected and on the assurance by the employers of non-repetition or compliance with the Act prosecutions have not been initiated. If the Deputy or any Member of the House wishes to bring any complaint of that nature to my attention I can and will have it examined by my inspectorate.
Question No. 24.
Would the Minister not agree that in view of the kind of sanctimonious humbug we often read from the leader writers of the national newspapers, some of them could usefully occupy their time talking about how they use youngsters in this scandalous way?
That is a separate question. I have called Question No. 24.
(Interruptions.)