Vol. 572 No. 2
82 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in the course of the Ballymun regeneration scheme, Irish workers are being excluded from employment by one of the major companies involved; if this is in accordance with the terms of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22778/03]
I am aware of allegations to this effect being circulated by one particular source.
While I have no role in relation to the Ballymun regeneration scheme, per se, I can state that my Department has no reason to believe that the company in question is not compliant with its obligations under work permit requirements or wider aspects of employment law. I understand that the company's workforce is fully unionised and, should there be specific issues in dispute, normal industrial relations machinery is available.
However, if the Deputy is aware of any evidence to the contrary, my Department will examine such evidence carefully. The company in question has been the subject of allegations in the past, which, on investigation, were found to be without substance.
