asked the Minister for Labour when it is intended to implement the 1983 EC Directive on worker protection from asbestos exposure; the measures which are being taken to protect workers pending the implementation of this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Implementation of EC Directive.
14.
Regulations are being drafted legally to give effect to the provisions of Council Directive 83/477/EEC of 19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. While some of the issues involved are relatively complex, I will endeavour to have the regulations completed as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the provisions of the Safety in Industry Acts, 1955, and 1980, and the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975, which are made under those Acts, apply to workers who may be exposed to asbestos in workplaces and activities covered by the Acts.
Can the Minister indicate the reason for such a long delay in bringing forward the regulations in relation to asbestos? It is particularly apt that the question should be dealt with today in view of the effects of asbestos when it is disturbed. It creates lung cancer, asbestosis and so on. Can he also indicate whether or not the regulations would involve controls on, or does he propose to introduce any regulations to control, the importation of products which contain asbestos? Can he give a date as to when the regulations he is talking about now will come into effect?
The reason for the delay is that the regulations are complex and there was pressure of work. The regulations are being drafted at present and I understand it will be summer before I get them. The Deputy asked about the EC directive for the general reduction of exposure to asbestos fibres in the work place, the setting of exposure limits for asbestos dust concentrations, the establishment of sampling and measuring methods, appropriate health surveillance for workers exposed to asbestos for the first time and the provision of adequate information to workers and their representatives in the work place about the potential risks to health from exposure to asbestos and the precautions to be taken. The directive sets the exposure limit value of one fibre per cubic centimetre as a maximum level of asbestos in the air to which workers may be exposed. This is European Week against Cancer, this issue is extremely important and I hope to get the draft regulations during the summer.
We now come to the questions nominated for priority.