asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that German firms are at present circularising young Irish women and girls with a view to persuading them to take up employment in Germany; what steps are taken by the Irish representatives in Germany to ensure the welfare of these girls when working in Germany; and whether any investigation is made to ensure that the wages and conditions offered are substantially the same as those paid to German employees of the same firm.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Female Workers in Germany.
1.
I am aware of action on the part of firms in the Federal Republic of Germany to recruit female workers in this country although the circulars referred to have not come to the notice of my Department.
As regards the second part of the question, our diplomatic and consular representatives are available to Irish citizens for consultation and advice in cases of difficulty. However, any person contemplating employment abroad should, in the normal course, insist in advance on a proper contract supplemented by full information from the prospective employer concerning such matters as tax and social security deductions, accommodation facilities and local living conditions.
With regard to the last part of the question, there are official regulations in the Federal Republic providing that foreign workers be given the same wage rates and conditions as German workers in similar employment.
I should perhaps add that the Government have no power to prevent Irish citizens from accepting employment abroad and in any case there is no evidence that working conditions in Germany are not in general up to the standards of other socially advanced countries.
Would the Minister say whether Irish nationals who go to Germany, or any other country, to take up employment are notified of the fact that they can enlist the aid of our representatives in these countries?
A notice is given to every person applying for a passport if the person is going to live in Europe. It gives a list of our diplomatic representatives and the applicants are urged to call upon our ambassadorial and consular services in case of difficulty.
If I furnish the Minister's Department with the circular to which I referred and the information I have as to the number of girls who have gone to Germany for this kind of employment, may I hope and expect that our ambassador will take an interest in the welfare of these girls?
Each and every one that we know of going to Germany or any other country for employment is, as I have said, advised to get in touch with our diplomatic representatives abroad in case of difficulty; they are also warned that before leaving Ireland they should be fully conversant with the terms and conditions of the employment. They are also asked, when they go to these countries and find out definitely where they are to stay, to advise our local office.
Could we have a copy of the document the Minister has in his hand?
Yes.
Why do you not provide work at home for them? One hundred thousand jobs!
Order.