Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 1

Written Answers. - Employment Policies.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

136 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to a building contractor (details supplied) operating on sites at Ballymun, Balgaddy and Blanchardstown and to the fact that the employment policies of this company have resulted in the exclusion of Irish employees from work with the company; if this is in accordance with her Department's regulations for the employment of non-EU nationals; the action she intends to take to ensure that the company is compliant with the said regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24411/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I am aware of allegations to this effect. Having investigated the matter, 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 work force is fully unionised and should there be specific issues in dispute, normal industrial relations machinery is available.

Any evidence to the contrary will be fully examined by my Department. The company in question has been the subject of allegations in the past, which, on investigation, were found to be without any substance.