Vol. 541 No. 5
156 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of convictions obtained in the courts in respect of breaches of employment law involving foreign workers; the number of cases before the courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23245/01]
In pursuing employers for breaches of employment law no distinction is drawn as between indigenous employees and employees who are non-nationals. The protections of Irish labour law apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as to native Irish workers. It is a fundamental tenet of my Department's approach to employment rights that the statutory rights and entitlements of all who work in Ireland will continue to be assured and enforced and that effective mechanisms by which they can vindicate their legal rights will be provided. In this regard the labour inspectorate of my Department has an ongoing responsibility for monitoring the employment conditions of various categories of vulnerable workers, including immigrant workers. The inspectorate, in conducting its enforcement responsibilities across all sectors of the economy under the relevant labour legislation, operates objectively, fairly, impartially and without any differentiation whatsoever with respect to nationality.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 138.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 108.
