Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Employment Rights Report.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

66 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the recent report, Employment Rights, published by Comhairle, which called for a substantial increase in the number of inspectors policing legislation to protect employees' rights in the workplace; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3012/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

Last year I substantially increased the number of labour inspectors above the figures quoted in the Comhairle employment rights report. The employment rights side of my Department, which includes the labour inspectorate, works closely with the constituent citizens information centres making up Comhairle by providing training and support for the centres as well as exchanging information.

As to the inspectorate itself, I am alert to the necessity to ensure a responsive and efficient inspection service. To this end a business process re-engineering project is currently under way to review the systems and procedures underlying employment rights information provision and inspection and the resulting follow through actions. I understand Comhairle will be included in the bodies consulted as part of this independent review.