The payment of the appropriate Registered Employment Agreement rates of Pay and Conditions of Employment (including pensions) is a Contract clause in all the Public Works Contracts. The Contractor's obligation in terms of Pay and Conditions of Employment apply to not only his workers but also all other workers on site. My Department has produced a guidance note for Consultants on pay and conditions of employment which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This sets out for Consultants the procedure for dealing with issues relating to pay and conditions.Where an allegation of non compliance arises, the allegation should be reported to the appropriate statutory dispute investigation and resolution mechanisms provided by the State. The main statutory agency charged with this function is the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) which has the remit, resources, experience and statutory powers in place to investigate and resolve these matters in the most efficient and impartial manner. Where serious breaches are alleged it is also possible to refer the matter directly to the Labour Court. If the Deputy is aware of any particular state contracts where there are concerns that Irish and European labour laws and regulations are not been complied with, the Deputy should bring these to the attention of NERA.
