Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 3

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Noel Ahern

Question:

107 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits which have been granted for a company (details supplied); the number still current; the nationalities of the persons involved; the reason the company has given for its inability to secure workers; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish staff are being intimidated out of the company due to industrial relations problems to make way for foreign workers; if her attention has further been drawn to the dangers of such actions fostering and promoting racism; if she will examine the application received from this company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16310/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Eight work permits have issued to the company concerned and all of these are still current. All eight employees on work permits are Czech nationals. The company stated that there was a lack of suitably qualified staff available despite having advertised in newspapers, on radio and participating in FÁS workshops.

Should any workers consider themselves to have been effectively subjected to constructive dismissal by means of intimidation, they may vindicate their rights under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1972-1993, should they have over 12 months service, by approaching a rights commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal. Details may be obtained from the Employment Rights Information Unit at 6313131 or on the Department's website, www.entemp.ie.