§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with what frequency inspections are carried out on body piercing and tattooing establishments in Northern Ireland; what the nature of such inspections is; and by whom they are carried out. [173811]
§ Angela SmithInspections of body piercing and tattooing establishments are in general carried out by Environmental Health Officers employed by district councils. The frequency of such inspections is a matter for each council and information on this is not held centrally.
Under Part V of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, district councils may control tattooing and ear-piercing practices in their districts. Inspections of these establishments are carried out to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the premises, the practitioners and the equipment used; inspections of establishments engaged in body piercing (other than ear piercing) are carried out to ensure compliance with the requirements of health and safety at work legislation.