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With reference to its observation, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the following points.

Article 21(a)–(g) of the Convention. Content of the annual general report. The Committee notes the numerous legislative texts adopted in 2007 and 2009 concerning the structure and operation of the Authority for Conditions of Work (ACT).

It also notes the detailed information contained in the report of the ACT and also in the regional report for the Azores for 2008. The general report indicates that, during 2008, a total of 71,442 inspections were conducted in 62,477 workplaces. Moreover, the ACT also provided technical advice in 65,169 cases and responded to 16,675 requests for inspection. As regards the Azores, the Committee notes that 2,082 inspections were conducted, of which 433 related in particular to occupational safety and health. The sector subject to the most surveillance is civil engineering, with 424 inspections conducted, compared with 299 in commerce, 148 in the catering sector, 75 in the cleaning services sector, and 60 in the sphere of office work.

With regard to action by the inspectorate in Madeira, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the report concerning this region will be sent in due course. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply detailed statistics on the inspection activities of the ACT for mainland Portugal and also for the regions of the Azores and Madeira.

Moreover, as regards the impact of the restructuring of the inspection services within the ACT, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that this cannot be evaluated at present because of a lack of available information. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments in this area and to supply information on the impact of the restructuring of the inspection services within the ACT as soon as this is available.