Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The amalgamation of the functions of the WRC did not reduce the need for labour inspectors. If anything, the figures I have obtained prove there is a need for more labour inspectors. I am very disappointed the Tánaiste does not hear that or does not recognise the need.

Despite being underfunded and resourced, the WRC does absolutely fantastic work on behalf of workers. We can see that. Data provided to me show that, in the past decade alone, nearly €18 million in wages was returned to workers following investigations. Any employer who deliberately withholds wages from a worker or deliberately underpays a worker should be named, shamed and punished. There is an old saying, "Always pay what you owe and always ask for what you are owed." I am sure the employers would not be shy about letting a customer know if they were owed some money.

The amalgamation of the functions under the WRC made for administrative savings but it did not mean there was less need for inspections. The figures I have obtained underscore the need for more labour inspectors to be appointed. I urge the Minister to revisit the figure of 90 and try to reach that, at least.

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