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1. The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s report.

2. Article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Multidisciplinary character of occupational health services. The Committee notes the Government’s intentions to develop further the occupational health-care services in the country by offering multidisciplinary services and to require that occupational health-care centres employ not only an occupational hygiene specialist but also a specialist from another discipline such as a psychologist, ergonomics expert or a toxicologist. The Government is requested to provide in its next report information on progress made in this regard.

3. Article 12. No loss of earnings for workers in the process of the surveillance of their health. The Committee notes that it is unclear from the Government’s report whether effect is given to this Article. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the relevant provisions ensuring that effect is given to the requirement that the surveillance of the workers’ health shall be free of charge and shall take place during working hours.

4. Point IV of the report form. Practical application of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the detailed statistical information covering the years from 1999-2004 included in the Government’s report on the application of each of the relevant provisions of the Convention, and that such information permits a good background for assessing the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice. The Government is requested to continue to provide such information in its next reports, to enable the Committee to monitor the developments over time.