Workplace Relations Commission

Thursday, 7 July 2022

Questions (153, 154)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

153. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of employing one additional Workplace Relations Commission inspector. [36844/22]

View answer

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

154. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of employing ten additional Workplace Relations Commission inspectors. [36845/22]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department, established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services. WRC inspectors carry out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislation.

The yearly cost of recruiting an executive officer inspector for the Workplace Relations Commission would be approximately €62,855 PPC. This is based on the calculation of staff costs as set out in the Public Spending Code. The code sets out that the cost should be based on the midpoint of the salary scale and include employer’s salary related PRSI, imputed pension costs and overheads e.g. ICT equipment, legal costs, travel and subsistence. WRC inspectors also qualify for an allowance of €8,779, bringing the cost of recruiting one inspector to approximately €71,634 per annum.

Using the same methodology, the cost of ten additional inspectors would be approximately €716,340.

My Department fully supports and continues to work closely with the WRC in monitoring its staffing and budgetary requirements. This includes anticipating future resource requirements to ensure that it is supported and adequately resourced to carry out its important work.

Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 153.