(Waterford) asked the Minister for Labour the arrangements he has made for the enforcement of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977; the number of inspectors enforcing this Act; and the number of prosecutions in 1980 and 1981.
Written Answers. - Protection of Young Persons.
489.
Inspections to check on breaches of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977, are carried out by both the general inspectorate, which has 14 inspectors, and the industrial inspectorate, which has 47 inspectors. The industrial inspectorate inspect factory premises and the general inspectorate inspect other premises where young persons are employed. These inspections for breaches of the Act can be in the course of routine inspections or following on complaint. The number of inspections in 1980 was 2,267 and four cases were referred for prosecution. The number of inspections in 1981 was 2,588 and two cases were referred for prosecution.