Ms Edel McGinley:

Unannounced inspections are necessary on both levels for labour inspectors and for the HSA. I have made reference to it already. It cannot be overestimated how important these inspections are. If people have time, they can tidy up, hide and brush under the carpet whatever it is that happens, or get workers who might be troublemakers out of the way by giving them a day off so they will not say anything.

Part of the problem with inspections is the lack of consultation and communication with workers. We, therefore, rely predominantly on a management or owner's compliance. In fairness to the labour inspectorate, it can only inspect records so there are limitations. There are also many limitations in terms of having adequate resources to conduct proper intelligence gathering, inspections and enforcement. However, inspections need to happen and workers need to be talked to, which takes time. To build on what Ms McKeown said, if there is such a distrust of authority, and people have been failed over and over again, it will take time to talk to a worker, build trust and generate the evidence that a State body needs to make proper recommendations. This matter needs time, investment and probably a different approach.