asked the Minister for Labour if he has satisfied himself that existing labour legislation is adequate to cover the employment of jockeys employed to train or race horses; the number of complaints he has received regarding breaches of labour law in this area; if jockeys and stable boys are covered by a joint industrial council with regard to minimum pay and conditions; the safety standards which are enforceable to protect jockeys and stable boys; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Labour Legislation.
128.
Race horse jockeys independently contract their services to owners and trainers of race horses. They are therefore self-employed and are not covered by protective legislation administered by my Department. Persons employed by race horse owners-trainers who come under the definition of "agricultural worker" in the Employment Regulation Order for the Agriculture Industry are covered by its provisions.
It has not been possible to identify any complaints from persons employed in horse-racing stables regarding the enforcement of the order.
The provision of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977, which places certain restrictions on the employment of children and young persons under 18 years of age, applies to employees in the racing industry. No complaints have been received from such employees under this Act.
The safety of persons engaged in the racing or training of race horses does not come within the remit of existing occupational safety and health legislation administered by my Department.