Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The labour inspectors have the power to examine wage slips. One of the difficulties is that the level of information required to be provided on the wage slips is not of a standard that is useful in terms of pursuing a successful prosecution or of establishing whether the appropriate rates for the employment have been paid. There is a requirement to retain records and wage slips but, unfortunately, their format has not been sufficiently outlined in the regulation or the legislation.

Deputy James Breen raised the important issue of victimisation. Recent legislation introduced in this area included a section to ensure that people who bring information to the attention of the labour inspectorate or anybody in authority are protected. In the event we introduce additional legislation, I will try to ensure it contains that provision.

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