Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some of them have been. I have probably misinterpreted the Minister somewhat. The Minister has said that this covers the non-production of a payslip. That would not catch the employer who has not registered an individual. There is not a vast amount of that in the construction industry but there is a fair amount in the restaurant sector. In that sector many people are not registered and get paid below the minimum wage. The amendment would catch them.

There is a perfectly good reason for not producing a payslip. Years ago there was some excuse for people starting off. Some people started companies but did not know how to do things properly and they were disorganised. However, those days are behind us and the excuse of disorganisation is long gone. If an employer does not give an employee a payslip today, there is a good reason for it. More than likely, the employer is breaking the rules in some way. That is not rocket science. This measure could catch the employer who is not paying his staff properly or providing payslips. If he is not doing things properly and he gives his staff payslips then he will be exposed. If an employer is paying less than the minimum wage he could not possibly produce a payslip. In that case, the employee would have paperwork that could damage the employer and, therefore, the employer would have no wish to give an employee concrete evidence on paper. This is why he would not give the employee a payslip and would decide to pay in cash instead.

The restaurant industry would be stronger if everyone had to issue payslips and no one could pay people under the table. We would all be playing on a more level playing field. The State would be better off as well because it would take in more funds. I remain convinced that a fine of €2,000 to cover the non-issuing of payslips is insufficient. The penalty should be more severe.

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