Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Under existing law, NERA inspectors can pursue the examination of employment records, either entering with the consent of the occupier or by warrant of the District Court. As in all cases where NERA proposes to conduct an inspection of employment records, notice is provided by it either in writing or by telephone to advise the employer of the proposed inspection. I am advised that, in cases where consent to enter a private residence is not given, NERA meets the employers in an alternative location to examine the relevant employment records, although this has arisen only in a very small percentage of cases.

From what the Deputy says, domestic workers are very much part of the grey economy. It is undoubtedly an issue of enforcement rather than conventions in that the full weight of existing domestic law applies. From what the Deputy said, it is not being achieved in a substantial minority of cases. I recognise this problem. I will have to take advices on how it can be better handled. The Deputy is probably correct that the problem is largely associated with incorrect immigration status. It is quite a complex issue. The enforcement of migration rules raises very significant difficulties also.

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