Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021
113. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to ensure employers in the digital gaming sector are adhering to employment legislation following the introduction of the new tax credit for the digital gaming sector announced in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60353/21]
View answerTax matters are a matter for the Minister of Finance. I understand that in his recent Budget speech the Minister confirmed that he is introducing a new tax credit for the digital gaming sector. Details of the relief are available in the Finance Bill 2021.
Ireland has a comprehensive body of employment legislation, in respect of which the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is mandated to secure compliance. We have a strong track record when it comes to protecting the rights of workers. Ireland’s employment rights legislation protects all employees who are legally employed on a contract of service basis. Inspections carried out by WRC Inspectors operate on a compliance model. This means that an inspector will work with the employer to ensure that the employer fulfils all their statutory obligations and that any outstanding wages or entitlements are given to workers.
The Inspectorate Division of the WRC carries out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislation. These inspections arise:
- In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation.
- As part of compliance campaigns which focus on compliance in specific sectors or specific pieces of legislation; or
- From routine inspections (announced and unannounced) which act as an overall control measure.
The aim of the WRC Inspectorate is to achieve voluntary compliance with employment law through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers’ employment records and enforcement where necessary. While every effort is made to secure compliance, some employers either refuse or fail to rectify the breaches identified and/or pay money due to their employees. These cases are referred for prosecution.
