Vol. 547 No. 3
59 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the recent report, the Working Conditions of Construction Apprentices, which found that many apprentices were being denied statutory entitlements under labour law; the steps she intends to take to ensure that apprentices receive the full protection of labour law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3331/02]
I have seen the report in question.
Construction apprentices enjoy the same statutory protection under employment rights legislation as all other employees. In addition, the working conditions of construction apprentices are governed by the terms of the Registered Employment Agreements – Construction Industry Wages and Conditions of Employment and Construction Industry Pensions Assurance and Sick Pay). The Industrial Relations Acts, 1946-1990, provide for complaint to the Labour Court, by both trade unions and employers, in circumstances of alleged breaches of these agreements. Inspectors of my Department will investigate individual complaints of any infringements of the particular agreements or any other relevant employment rights entitlements.
