asked the Minister for Labour when it is intended to have a comprehensive review of health and safety at work to ensure the promotion and maintenance of the physical, mental and social well-being of men and women in all occupations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health and Safety at Work.
21.
I have already advised the House of my intention to set up a working party—following enactment of the Safety in Industry Bill, 1978—which will give consideration to, and make recommendations about, occupational health and safety.
When does the Minister reckon he might have the results since it has not been set up yet?
As I said, it will be as soon as the legislative programme allows.
Has the Minister any plans to extend the scope of the Bill at present before the House to cover all occupations?
The question relates to the extension. I have said what I have committed myself to doing and what I intend doing as soon as that Bill is through the House.
The Minister will be aware that the Bill does not cover all occupations. That was our main criticism from this side of the House. Will the Minister take this opportunity to say that he will now extend the provisions of the Bill to cover all occupations?
I spelled out the need for and the purposes and the desired results expected from the Bill when I introduced it in this House. At that stage I made a commitment, in regard to the wider area to which Deputy John O'Connell in his question refers, on the establishment of a working group representative of the interested bodies concerned. That commitment is there with the desirability of achieving what the Deputy wants to achieve.
Can we be assured of safety, health and welfare legislation for all occupations? Everybody involved—ICTU and the medical practitioners—want a Bill to cover all occupations? This question asks will the Minister take this opportunity to extend the scope of the Bill?
The Deputy knows well that within the Bill before the House that is not possible. The need for that Bill is accepted by both sides, but my commitment is that as soon as that Bill is passed a working party will be set up to examine the whole safety area.
Why does the Minister have to wait until the Bill is passed?
I made that commitment.