asked the Minister for Labour the steps that have been taken to investigate recent allegations of exploitation of young people by hoteliers and restauranteurs in the Galway area; if the allegations have been substantiated, and, if so, the measures that have been adopted to end such practices and to ascertain whether such practices are occurring elsewhere in the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alleged Exploitation of Young People.
14.
I assume the allegations relate to conditions in the Galway area in July—August last which were the subject of press publicity last December.
The wages and conditions of employees in hotels outside Dublin and Dún Laoghaire are subject to regulation by Employment Regulation Order under the Industrial Relations Acts. Enforcement procedures include regular inspections of hotels. Such inspections were carried out in Salthill and Galway in August and September last. In Salthill 29 hotels were inspected and no evidence of underpayments was revealed. In Galway 15 hotels were inspected: two were found in breach of the order and immediate arrangements were made for payment of arrears of wages.
The press publicity referred also to the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973, and the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977. There is no record of complaints of breaches of the Holidays Act in respect of young employees in this area at the time. As the Young Persons' Act had come into operation as recently as 5 July 1977, some employers may not have been fully aware of its provision.
My Department have publicised the Young Persons' Act through press advertisements, explanatory leaflets, issue of an abstract of the Act and other publicity measures. Various inspections have also been made as a result of complaints. Over the Christmas holiday period a survey was carried out of hotels, licensed premises, shops and supermarkets to ensure that employers were aware of the Act and of the need for strict compliance. The survey also covered a number of hotels in Galway.
Where there are breaches of protective labour legislation prosecutions are undertaken, where appropriate. The policy has been to allow employers an initial period to familiarise themselves with the Young Persons' Act during which prosecutions will be undertaken only where there are serious breaches. It is my intention after the initial period of grace to have more rigorous enforcement.
Investigation of the allegations in the December publicity was made difficult because so much time had elapsed and no particulars of employers or employees were given. Organisations or individuals which consider that breaches of protective labour legislation are taking place should give full information immediately to my Department which will investigate the complaints and take appropriate action.
Arising out of that comprehensive reply, in view of the fact that there are over 10,000 adults unemployed would the Minister consider reviewing this whole question of the shameful practice of allowing young people to be employed in places like public houses and restaurants?
The Minister has answered that question.
There is very high unemployment amongst adults and none of us would like this kind of employment for our own children so why allow it for other people's children?
My attitude is that the Act should be implemented. At the same time I think it desirable that there should be a period of time to enable people to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act. The Act became law on 5 July last and then inspectors either had to be appointed or given authorisation to operate the Act and a good part of the summer was gone. I would hope the position would now be well known in advance of next summer and that people will comply with the regulations under the Act.