Michael Ferris
Question:63 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of employer inspections per county which took place in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2673/98]
Written Answers. - Employer Inspections.
The total number of employer inspections carried out by my Department during 1997 is estimated to exceed 7,000. A breakdown by county it not readily available but the following is an estimate of the position by region:
|
East |
2,150 |
|
North-East |
900 |
|
South |
1,200 |
|
South-East |
650 |
|
Mid-West |
700 |
|
North-West |
550 |
|
West |
500 |
|
Midlands |
359 |
|
Total |
7,000 |
Arrears of PRSI-PAYE amounting to £10.1 million were determined and appropriate follow-up action to recover these arrears is under way. In addition to ensuring compliance with PRSI rules, checks are carried out by inspectors to ensure that employees are not concurrently working and claiming unemployment or illness payments. As a result of these checks, 4,157 persons stopped claiming during 1997. which resulted in savings amounting to £11.53 million.
A total of 119 cases in respect of offences under the Social Welfare Acts, 44 of which related to employers, were finalised by the courts. Convictions were obtained in 112 of these cases, 39 of which related to employers.