Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct that when there is a change in the economic environment, pressures are on. We do not anticipate the labour inspectors taking it any easier. They have been enforcing employment legislation and have taken several prosecutions. The Chief State Solicitor's office has been brought in to ensure prosecutions are taken.

In the context of the recent media coverage of the haulage industry, it is important that the National Employment Rights Authority enforces the payment of the fines side of the legislation. The Road Safety Authority must enforce other aspects of the legislation referred to in the "Prime Time Investigates" programme. No collective agreements apply to the haulage industry as the minimum wage is the baseline in that sector. NERA is enforcing payment to ensure unscrupulous employers are found out. Considerable amounts of arrears have also been collected. I get representations from all sides of the House in the context of NERA being over-vigilant. We have 81 labour inspectors on the ground ensuring that employment law is complied with. I will not stand for employers using the downturn in the economy to potentially exploit Irish workers or people here on work permits. NERA is vigilant in that area.

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