Vol. 466 No. 3
17 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that Irish workers are not discriminated against in Germany in view of the disturbing reports emanating from that country in relation to non-German workers particularly in the building industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8536/96]
I am not aware that Irish workers are being discriminated against in the construction or any other employment sector in Germany. I will investigate any particular case of alleged discrimination if the Deputy gives me details.
Foreign, including Irish, construction workers in Germany are sometimes employed through agencies based outside Germany. There have been a few instances in recent years of disputes about the terms and conditions of employment of workers recruited in that way which have resulted in some Irish workers not getting paid.
A new law, the Law on Obligatory Working Conditions for International Labour, in force in Germany since 1 March 1996, requires all employers to register the foreign workers they employ with the local employment office. The law also applies to agencies supplying labour to contractors, whether or not the agencies are based in Germany. Agreements on pay and conditions applicable to the construction industry are now as binding in respect of foreign workers as they are in respect of Germany workers. The new law does not differentiate between employers or workers on the basis of nationality.
The Embassy in Bonn is monitoring how the new law affects Irish workers in the building industry and is not aware of any difficulty. Should any develop, they will advise and assist the worker or workers concerned in every way they can.
