asked the Minister for Labour whether he has responded to a request made to him by the Apparel Industries Federation to have a recent media article (details supplied) alleging employment malpractices investigated; if so, if he will give the results of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Alleged Employment Malpractices.
133.
I received a letter from the Apparel Industries Federation (AIF) on 21 November 1989 challenging the views of a trade union official about conditions in the clothing industry. The AIF states that the allegations have no basis in fact.
The position is that there are four employment regulation orders (EROs) covering the clothing and allied trades. Approximately 50 per cent of these premises are inspected annually by the general inspectors of my Department. In 1987, 157 inspections were carried out and arrears of wages of £2,320.38 were collected under the four EROs. In 1988, 112 inspections were carried out under the EROs and arrears of wages of £10,857.23 were collected.
I have also brought the matters raised in the newspaper article to the attention of the Revenue Commissioners.