Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

In raising this matter, I am trying to ensure that more data are gathered so that we have a better picture of what is occurring in the workplace, and exposure to noxious substances is an important issue in that regard. According to international studies, work-related disease is a far greater burden than workplace injury. Obviously, work-related disease takes much longer to emerge. I ask that the information gathering system on health and safety in the workplace be improved.

Work-related deaths, for example, may not occur until long after the person has left the place of work. Asbestosis is an obvious case in point, where the worker will probably work to retirement but possibly will die very quickly thereafter. There is no requirement for reporting cases like that and perhaps the Minister of State will take that on board.

See this speech in context