Vol. 566 No. 2
64 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date with regard to the complaint submitted on 20 August 2002 to the Labour Inspectorate in respect of a company (details supplied), three employees of which were awarded damages of ?50,000 in the High Court on 29 October 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12288/03]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to two similar questions, No. 158 on 18 February 2003 from Deputy Shortall and No. 136 on 25 March 2003 from Deputy Burton. The Deputy should note that, as the High Court award in this case arose from a civil action by way of a plenary summons, the Labour Inspectorate of my Department has no role in pursuing this particular aspect of the matter.
The Labour Inspectorate continues to pursue the employment rights aspect of this case. Inspectors have interviewed the employer concerned and have examined some records in accordance with the relevant employment legislation. The investigation process will conclude in the coming week. My Department will then be in a position to decide as to the appropriate next steps.
