asked the Minister for Labour if it is his Department's policy to seek prosecutions in cases where investigations by departmental inspectors reveal underpayment in statutory minimum rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statutory Minimum Wage Rates.
6.
The answer is "Yes". However, each case is considered on the merits, particular regard being had to such factors as the amount involved, whether the employer has subsequently paid the full statutory rate with all arrears due, and whether any special circumstances exist.
In 1977 the Department's inspectors were instrumental in recovering more than £40,000 of arrears of wages for workers.
It was the policy in the Department before I took office that in the case of underpayment in the hotel industry no prosecutions followed. Has the policy inaugurated in our term—that prosecutions would follow, even in the hotel sector, where there was underpayment and where special circumstances did not apply— been changed? The Minister refers to special circumstances in certain cases obviating the need for prosecution. Where these do not apply, where there is gross underpayment, am I to take it that prosecutions will follow even in the hotel industry?
For the Deputy's information I have made no change in the procedure.