Vol. 514 No. 1
66 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional staff allocated to the labour inspectorate; the qualifications required by persons applying for these positions; when they will be advertised; when these positions will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3473/00]
111 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional staff which have been allocated to the labour inspectorate; the qualifications required by persons applying for these positions; when they will be advertised; when they will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3546/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 111 together.
In December 1999 the Government, in the context of its consideration of the national minimum wage, NMW Bill, approved the allocation to the labour inspectorate section of my Department of the following additional staff for enforcement activity: 7 labour inspectors, 1 executive officer, 2 clerical officers.
The seven additional inspectors, together with the existing inspectors, will perform, in addition to NMW enforcement duties, the full range of duties as otherwise currently applicable to the post of labour inspector.
The grading level of a labour inspector is that of executive officer. The appointees will be expected to acquire a detailed knowledge of employment rights and NMW legislation and of the pay rates and other conditions of employment specified in employment regulation orders and registered employment agreements. They will also have to become familiar with the general role and functions of the various adjudicating bodies involved in the process of employment dispute settlement. They must be capable of working responsibly and efficiently on their own initiative and of delivering relevant enforcement targets and objectives.
Last month applications were sought within my Department for appointment to the post of labour inspector. The new inspectors will be appointed before 1 April 2000.
It is hoped, too, to have the additional executive officer and clerical officers also appointed by 1 April 2000. These officers will be engaged in general administrative duties resulting from the increased casework. The duties involved will be non-specialised and, as such, the officers involved will be expected to have the normal range of qualifications relevant to their grade.
