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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Foreign Workers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which her Department monitors the employment conditions, wages and salaries and accommodation of immigrant workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18837/03]

The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions, including wages and salaries for all categories of workers in Ireland. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found the inspectorate seeks redress for the individuals concerned. If appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. The inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality as statutory employment rights and protections apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native workers.

In 2002 the inspectorate undertook just over 8,300 inspections and visits, mainly dealing with issues arising from more than 1,000 case files, the national minimum wage, the Payment of Wages Act 1991 and employment regulation orders, and ensured the payment of €354,000 in arrears of wages to employees. Some 32 cases were referred to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for legal proceedings, 25 of these arising from the investigative work of the labour inspectorate. In 2003, the inspectorate has undertaken 1,493 inspections and visits and ensured payment of €107,022 in wage arrears. Seven cases have been referred to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for legal proceedings, all of these arising from the investigative work of the inspectorate.

In addition to the investigative work undertaken by inspectors in 2002, work also commenced on the development of a new case management system to support streamlined work procedures in the labour inspectorate. The new IT system was launched on 17 June this year. It is the result of considerable investment by my Department – approximately €900,000 when completed – and will provide the technological support to enable inspectors to operate more effectively and efficiently in their interactions with employers and employees alike. If there is evidence that particular employers are exploiting immigrant workers I ask that it be brought to the attention of the labour inspectorate for investigation and further action.

While rates of deductions for board and lodgings may be provided for under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 and through the joint labour committee-registered employment agreement system, accommodation for immigrant workers, or indeed Irish and EU workers, does not come within scope of employment law.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 167.

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