Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005
57 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the labour inspectorate investigation into the alleged mistreatment of Gama workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18064/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra64 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the latest position in regard to the investigation by the labour inspectorate into allegations of serious irregularities in the treatment of employees of a Turkish company, Gama, which has been operating in this country; if all the workers have been given access to money held in accounts in a bank in Holland; if he has considered requesting the Garda to conduct an investigation into allegations that money had been diverted into accounts to which the workers previously had no access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra86 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectorate staff investigating Gama Construction; the number of staff available for other investigations at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 64 and 86 together.
These questions relate to a particular company which has been the subject of an investigation by the labour inspectorate of my Department. As the Deputies will be aware, the labour inspectorate report is subject to proceedings before the High Court. Accordingly, I am constrained from elaborating further on issues which arise in the context of the report. The report has been forwarded to the Garda and other bodies which have prosecutory powers in the State. The labour inspectorate is continuing its investigations and if any breaches of employment legislation are found, they will be fully pursued. A number of workers have obtained access to money held in the Dutch bank account and the position of other workers is being pursued.
Three labour inspectors, with assistance from two senior officials, have been engaged full-time in the investigation since its commencement in February 2005. Some 14 inspectors are engaged in other ongoing inspections.
