Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Workplace Inspections.

Liz McManus

Question:

109 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace inspections carried out by labour inspectors for each month to date in 2003; if she has satisfied herself that there are sufficient numbers of inspectors to carry out an adequate level of workplace inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29913/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey):

The breakdown of workplace inspections-visits up to December 2003 is set out in the following table. In the case of the data, there may be some subsequent minor revision as outstanding data entry is clarified or completed.

In 2001, as part of a continuing process to strengthen and modernise employment rights enforcement, a major business process re-engineering review took place in the employment rights unit of my department, including the labour inspectorate. That review embraced the activities of the support units to the labour inspectorate in the area of employment rights enforcement, for example, the employment rights information unit, where enhanced customer service standards including lunchtime opening were introduced and the prosecution and enforcement units, where procedures and linkages with the Chief State Solicitor's office were improved.

Replacement of the existing computer system was one of several other recommendations, including revision of procedures, and development of that new system commenced at the end of August 2002. In mid-June 2003, a new fully integrated IT system, incorporating functions across each of the employment rights business units was launched at a cost of €900,000.

On the numbers of inspectors, the Government authorised an increase in their number, from ten to 17 inspectors, in conjunction with the introduction of the National Minimum Wage Act in the year 2000 and there are no plans at present to increase the number of Inspectors further.

I am satisfied the investment and actions described above have enhanced the effectiveness of the inspectorate and will ensure that the employment rights and entitlements of all employees working in Ireland are protected.

Month	Inspections/Visits	Month	Inspections/Visits
January	731	July	866
February	421	August	1,085
March	142	September	974
April	35	October	1075
May	242	November	669
June	612

These figures amount to a total of 6,852 up to 30 November 2003. The full outturn figures for years 2002 and 2001 were 8,323 and 6,474 respectively.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 86.