Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The labour inspectorate contacted the principal parties on this issue on Tuesday, 13 March, and, subsequently, met senior representatives of the ESB and their agents and these contacts have been ongoing since. In the meantime, labour inspectors have commenced inquiries with the contractor concerned in this case and have visited both the head office and the site in Moneypoint. Those inquiries are continuing and a further visit is planned. The inspectorate is examining documentation obtained from the contractor, who has fully co-operated with the investigation. Additional documentation has been sought and the contractor has undertaken to provide this material without delay.

The inspectorate is aware that the ESB, its main contractor for the project and the subcontractor are working to identify the details of any underpayments that may have occurred and it is understood these will be rectified. A further audit on behalf of the ESB is to take place at month end to ensure all matters have been corrected. The labour inspectorate will, however, pursue its own checks independently of that process.

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