Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:26 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, being taken to enforce existing legislation relating to the operation of private employment agencies. [9955/96]
Written Answers. - Employment Agencies.
The Employment Agency Act, 1971 provides that anybody carrying on the business of an employment agency, whether for reward or otherwise, must obtain an employment agency licence from my Department. Licences are issued for a period of one year and must be renewed annually if the employment agency wishes to continue in business. In 1995, 221 employment agency licences were issued. This compares with 242 licences issued in 1994.
The Employment Agency Act does not control or specify the manner in which an employment agency should be run, but rather sets out the conditions under which a licence may be granted. Briefly, these conditions relate mainly to the fitness of the applicant to carry on such a business and the suitability of the proposed premises. Where complaints are received regarding employment agencies, they are investigated by my Department. Action, as provided for in the employment agency legislation, is taken, if necessary.