Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 9

Written Answers. - Community Service Order Scheme.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

66 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Department of Justice has been accused of irregular practices in the employment of tradesmen as supervisors of offenders carrying out work under the Community Service Order Scheme; to the fact that supervisors have been employed for less than 18 hours per week in order that they would be excluded from the scope of worker protective legislation, and that tax was not deducted from payments made to them; if he will carry out an investigation to establish if the conditions of employment of these supervisors complied with all the requirements of labour law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

I understand from the Department of Justice that the employment arrangements involved here arise from the nature of the work involved. The work is mainly undertaken in the evenings, weekends or specific days during the week and is spread over a wide number of locations. In view of this it was felt that the best arrangement was to engage supervisors from the FÁS Register to give employment to unemployed people who have had their job-skills assessed and who are seeking employment. They are engaged from between five to 14 hours per week to fit in with the work involved. The tax arrangements have been agreed with the Revenue Commissioners.

I understand from the Department of Justice that employment on a full-time basis will be kept under review should that prove to be an efficient manner to carry out the work concerned.

In so far as my Department is concerned, there is no contravention of labour law. I do intend, however, to introduce legislation later this year to bring regular part-time workers within the scope of all labour legislation.