The number of breaches found of the National Minimum Wage Act over the past five years and the penalties imposed are set out in the tabular statement. The primary function of the Labour Inspectorate is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including payment of any arrears due to employees. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and seek redress for the individual/s concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Successful prosecution can be dependent on adequate support from witnesses. The Deputy should be aware that Rights Commissioners of the Labour Relations Commission — a body independent of the Department — also hear complaints concerning breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.
NMW Visits and Prosecutions initiated 2002-2006
Year
|
Breaches Detected
|
Prosecutions Initiated
|
Penalties Imposed by the Courts
|
|
|
|
€
|
2002
|
*
|
3
|
850
|
2003
|
*
|
0
|
0
|
2004
|
79
|
1
|
3,809.22
|
2005
|
153
|
0
|
0
|
2006
|
115
|
0
|
0
|
* No. of breaches detected prior to 2004 not available.