The labour inspectorate of this Department is responsible for monitoring the employment conditions of the various categories of all workers, including immigrant workers. In this regard, the inspectorate can pursue allegations of workers being subjected to excessive working hours, illegal deductions from pay, non-payment of compensation for Sunday working or of holiday-public holiday pay, etc. In the event that evidence of non-compliance with employment rights legislation is found the inspectorate will seek redress for the individuals who have been mistreated and, if appropriate, a prosecution will be initiated. The inspectorate operates objectively, fairly, impartially and without any differentiation with respect to nationality.
In 2001 the inspectorate undertook just under 6,500 inspections and ensured the payment of almost €520,000 in arrears of wages to employees. Also, in 2001, the inspectorate referred 31 cases to the Chief State Solicitor's office for prosecution. Of these, 26 cases were successfully concluded leading to 17 convictions and fines including, in most instances, the awarding of expenses and costs. So far this year the inspectorate has undertaken in excess of 4,500 inspections mainly dealing with issues arising from more than 1,000 case-files and €325,130 has been obtained in arrears of wages for employees. Furthermore, 15 cases have been referred for legal proceedings leading to 13 convictions while two cases were withdrawn.
A major project this year has been the development of a new case management system to support streamlined work procedures. This new IT system will come online early next year and will be the result of considerable investment by my Department over the last two years (approximately €750,00 when completed) and will provide the technological support to enable Inspectors operate more effectively and efficiently in their interactions with employers and employees alike while also improving the interaction with the enforcement side of the process.