Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977

Exceptions and exemptions.

17.—(1) The Minister may, in any case where he is satisfied that the health, welfare and safety of employees are not endangered, by regulations, modify any provision of this Act in respect of any undertaking, industry, class of employees or class of work where, in his opinion, compliance with such provision would, in relation to that undertaking, industry, class of employees or class of work, be impracticable because of the seasonal nature or technical requirements of that class of work or other substantial reasons.

(2) Before making regulations under subsection (1) of this section, the Minister shall consult with representatives of employers interested in the undertaking, industry, class of employees or class of work involved and with representatives of employees so interested.

(3) Before making regulations under subsection (1) of this section, the Minister shall publish in such manner as he thinks fit notice of his intention to do so and give persons desiring to make representations in relation to the proposed regulations a period of twenty-one days to do so.

(4) The Minister may, by licence, exempt any class of employers from complying with any provision of this Act or of regulations under this Act, in any case where, in the opinion of the Minister, compliance with such provision would be impracticable.

(5) The Minister may, after consultation with the Minister for Education and with representatives of employers and representatives of employees, by licence, exempt any class of employers from complying with any provision of this Act or of regulations under this Act in any case where that class of employers is participating in an approved scheme which combines limited employment experience with education or training.

(6) Whenever the Minister issues a licence under subsection (4) or (5) of this section, he may attach to such licence such conditions as he may see fit.

(7) Before issuing a licence under subsection (4) of this section, the Minister shall consult with representatives of the employees interested in the class of work to which the licence relates.