Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
910. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the widespread use of agencies to staff Government projects, in particular the low rates of pay and overtime often offered by such agencies, as for example by an agency (details supplied), which pays general operatives €10.25 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25327/16]
View answerThe enforcement of tax, social welfare, and employment legislation, including the minimum wage; health and safety, and building control regulations etc. apply to public and private sector contracts.
It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that contracts are awarded to compliant businesses through the standard procedures contained in the procurement process.
I understand from my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that staff employed through recruitment agencies are covered by the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 Act. As the Deputy will be aware, this Act applies the principle of equal treatment in terms of basic working and employment conditions for agency staff as applies to employees recruited directly to do the same or a similar job.
