Vol. 571 No. 4
183 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has checked that the work authorisation, work permit, minimum wage and work conditions regulations are being observed by a construction company (details supplied) following recent complaints. [21900/03]
Terms and conditions of employment for construction workers working in Ireland are regulated by the Registered Employment Agreement (Construction Industry Wages and Conditions of Employment) Variation Order 1996 with effect from 17 June 1996 and Registered Employment Agreement (Construction Industry Pensions Assurance and Sick Pay) Variation Order 1994 with effect from 10 October 1994. Because the variation order governing wages and conditions of employment has not been updated, due to legal difficulties, the going rate in the industry is much higher than that which is provided for in the 1996 variation order and legally enforceable.
My Department has no reason to believe that the company in question is not compliant with its obligations under work permit requirements or wider aspects of employment law. I understand that the company's workforce is fully unionised and, should there be specific issues in dispute normal industrial relations machinery is available. However, if the Deputy is aware of any evidence to the contrary, my Department will examine such evidence carefully. The company in question has been the subject of allegations in the past, which, on investigation, were found to be without substance.
