Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

If Deputy Rabbitte really wants to be helpful, he could put a word in with a few of his party members who are actively involved in the public service unions and who could help us to deal with some of the difficulties in the filling of the 90 posts because there are some restrictions. We will have 90 inspectors, as promised in Towards 2016.

The labour inspectorate is doing a very good job and is involving the Garda. Last year the labour inspectorate identified more than 2,250 breaches. The primary objectives of labour inspectors in the case of breaches is to seek compliance and rectification of breaches identified, including redress for the individuals concerned. Last year the inspectorate recovered arrears for employees from approximately 350 employers. It is not true that the system is not working and that what was promised in Towards 2016 is not actively being pursued under the legislation. More inspections will be carried out when we have 90 inspectors.

If the public service unions removed some of the unnecessary obstacles, the Minister would be able to employ the 90 inspectors straightaway. I might as well say it straight.

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