Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2015
18. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the protocols or actions that have been taken to prevent the abuse of workers in embassies and ambassadorial residences based here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/15]
View answerI am strongly committed to the protection of the rights of domestic workers in Ireland, including those employed by diplomatic staff.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, it is the duty of all persons enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the host State. Consistent with its obligations under the Vienna Convention, my Department works to ensure that the law is upheld and my Department will assist, as appropriate, in any investigation being undertaken by the relevant Irish authorities.
I have been proactive in the promotion of best employment practices. On 12 September last, I introduced new guidelines for diplomatic staff who intend to employ private domestic workers. This is a specific category of worker who is employed by an individual member of a mission rather than by the sending State.
While I believe that the majority of diplomatic staff in Ireland already follows good practice, it is best practice internationally to provide clear employment guidelines and a framework for their implementation.
These new guidelines were developed following a consultative process involving other Departments and State agencies, including the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and An Garda Síochána. I welcome also the contribution of Migrant Rights Centre Ireland to the process. I believe that the adoption of these guidelines is consistent with Ireland’s ratification in July 2014 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, of 2011.
These guidelines, which set out clearly expectations regarding payment, employment records, health insurance and social security, can be accessed on my Department’s website. I am fully committed to monitoring their implementation.
