Is the Minister satisfied that a sufficient number of industrial inspectors are employed by the Department of Labour to see to it that the regulations in existence are enforced?

That is a separate question.

It arises directly from the question under discussion because the Minister has told the House that one of the conclusions of the report is that rather than proceeding to make further regulations we should consider the position that exists and see to it that existing regulations are properly enforced. Is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient inspectors employed to see to it that the regulations are enforced?

That seems to be a separate question.

It is a separate question. The question under discussion asks about the report and when it is to be published.

Although it is a separate question I am delighted to be able to tell the Deputy that, notwithstanding the general embargo that exists on public service recruitment, the Government, because of the emphasis they place on improving occupational safety and health, have exceptionally augmented the number of industrial inspectors and occupational medical personnel.

Will the Minister agree that there are a large number of vacancies in the Department for inspectors and that these will not be filled for some time?

We are away chasing another hare now.

I have indicated that we have departed from the normal public sector recruitment policy that applies simply because we regard this as an area of importance. We substantially increased the number of inspectors.

Does the Minister agree that many vacancies exist?

I do not.