I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 to 90, inclusive, together.
The Inspection and Enforcement Services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) monitor employment conditions to ensure compliance with and, where necessary, the enforcement of employment rights legislation. This includes redress for the employees concerned and payment of any unpaid wages arising from breaches of employment rights.
The Inspection Services have the power to carry out employment rights compliance inspections in relation to the following legislation:
Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
Payment of Wages Act 1991
Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996
National Minimum Wage Act 2000
Parental Leave Acts 1998 and 2006
Redundancy Payments Acts 1967–2012
Employment Agency Act 1971
Industrial Relations Acts, 1946 to 2015
Carers Leave Act, 2001
Protection of Employment Act, 1977
Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Acts, 1984 to 1991
Employment Permits Act 2003 to 2006
Workplace Relations Act, 2015
The WRC will investigate the information provided by the Deputy. However it should be noted that as a general rule the flag state (i.e. the state where the ship is registered) has the exclusive right to exercise legislative and enforcement jurisdiction over its ships on the high seas. If these vessels are not Irish flagged, the enforcement of terms and conditions of employment are then a matter for the flag state in accordance with international maritime law and practice.