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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 13 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 1

Written Answers. - Immigrant Workers.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

93 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to abuses of immigrant workers in the agri-sector; if any reports of such abuses have been made to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14054/01]

I am very much aware of reports regarding the mistreatment of certain non-nationals placed in employment here on foot of work permit applications and my condemnation of these abuses is already on record. Such reports indicate that a small number of employers are engaged in these practices and that there are particular sectors, including the agricultural sector, where such practices seem to be a feature. In this connection I wish to put such employers on notice that I am quite determined that they will not be allowed to get away with exploitation of vulnerable people.

Employment rights legislation in Ireland establishes the minimum statutory rights applicable to all 1.8 million people working in Ireland whether part-time or full-time, high or low skill, national or non-national. The legislation makes no distinction between the rights of foreign workers and any other workers. All workers in Ireland, without exception, are entitled to the same statutory employment rights and protections so the protections of Irish labour law apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as to native Irish workers.

The Labour Inspectorate of my Department has an ongoing responsibility for monitoring the employment conditions of various categories of vulnerable workers, including immigrant workers. In this regard the Inspectorate can pursue alle gations of workers being subjected to excessive working hours, illegal deductions, eg, excessive accommodation fees, non-payment of compensation for Sunday working or of holiday-public holiday pay, etc. The inspectorate operates objectively, fairly, impartially and without any differentiation with respect to nationality.
Because of the restrictions necessitated by the recent foot and mouth disease crisis the inspectorate was constrained in pursuing certain cases, including following up on reports of mistreatment of certain workers in the agricultural, horticulture and food sector. Upon relaxation of the controls the Inspectorate has intensified its efforts in this area.
In the event that evidence of non-compliance with labour legislation is found, my Inspectorate will seek redress for the individuals who have been mistreated and, if appropriate, prosecutions will be initiated.
Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 67.
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