Vol. 523 No. 1
212 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of actions taken as a result of inspections and investigations carried out during the past 12 months under the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996; the results of these actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20355/00]
In the 12 month period, 1 October 1999 to 30 September 2000, a total of 2,345 inspections for compliance with the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, were carried out by the labour inspectorate of my Department.
During the same period the number of cases of infringement of the Act involving referral to the Chief State Solicitor's office for legal action against offending employers was 16. Court hearings, during the period in question, of prosecution actions taken by my Department in respect of offences under the Act numbered three, all of which resulted in the conviction of the employers involved.
