Vol. 558 No. 6
70 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which she or her Department monitor exploitation of the workforce, including foreign workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25256/02]
The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring the employment conditions of the various categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant workers. The inspectorate pursues allegations of worker mistreatment and in the event that evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found the inspectorate seeks redress for the individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is 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 legal proceedings. Some 25 cases were successfully concluded during that year, leading to 19 convictions. This year to date the inspectorate has undertaken in excess of 6,580 inspections/visits mainly dealing with issues arising from more than 1,000 case-files, the national minimum wage and the Payment of Wages Act, 1991, and €325,130 has been collected in arrears of wages. Furthermore, 32 cases have been referred to the Chief State Solicitor's office for legal proceedings, while 24 cases have been successfully concluded, leading to 17 convictions.
There is also a policy in place in my Department whereby the processing of work permit applications for any employer is suspended when the Department becomes aware of any concerns regarding that employer's compliance with the obligations set out in the various employment rights enactments.
