Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Has the Minister plans to ensure that domestic workers are made aware of their rights? It is fine to stand here and quote the Constitution. Many Irish workers do not know what is in the Constitution, much less domestic workers coming here from abroad on work permits. Has the Minister plans to make these workers aware of the rates of pay and minimum standards that should apply, for example? Is the Minister considering encouraging these people to join trade unions who would, in turn, make them aware of their rights?

I am pleased these priority questions have been tabled this afternoon because domestic workers are probably the most vulnerable of all workers in the State because they are employed behind closed doors. We know that large groups of workers are not being inspected, so what chance have these people? How many inspections have been carried out in terms of domestic workers? Given that the Minister knows where these workers are, because they are subject to work permits, can he give the House this information this evening? The report of the Migrant Rights Centre outlined how these people are completely isolated. It outlined terrible personal cases of how workers were brutalised in these homes. Is the Minister taking steps to ensure that further inspections will take place? Many victims believe that because the work permit is held by the employer, it is another stick to use against them. They feel they are caught in a trap from which they cannot get free. Has the Minister seen the report of the Migrant Rights Centre and will he react on foot of it?

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