Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

In accordance with its remit under employment rights legislation the labour inspectorate is empowered to examine particular employer records. In this connection, inspectors can examine copies of statements of pay, payslips, and reconcile these with the payroll records. In addition, inspectors can examine the working time records an employer is obliged to maintain. The preparation and production of false records is an offence.

In this connection, however, the Deputy is advised that the Department in its discussion document, Report on the Mandate and Resourcing of the Labour Inspectorate, recommended a streamlining of the record keeping requirements to tie in with the statements of pay. In addition, the report called for a significant revamping of the statement of pay so that there will be absolute transparency in the rate of pay per hour, the hours worked, the relevant calculation in respect of all deductions made and the eventual remuneration paid. The report of the employment rights compliance group, which informs the current partnership talks, indicated that there was a consensus between the social partners on progressing this proposal.

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