Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
33 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to reports that non-EU immigrant workers are being charged thousands of euro by unscrupulous recruitment agencies to secure work permits; if he has initiated an investigation into these reports; the action he intends to take to stamp out this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23663/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. The inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality. Licensed employment agencies in the State are regulated by my Department and complaints about specific agencies will be followed up. My Department is not responsible for what may happen outside the State where a recruitment agency in another country may be involved.
