Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. False self-employment is a problem that the Department of Social Protection takes very seriously. We want to make sure that employees receive their proper PRSI contributions so they get their entitlements, and that is our focused role. Revenue looks at it from a tax perspective and the Workplace Relations Commission looks at it in terms of workers’ rights.

The scale of false self-employment is probably exaggerated by some commentators. Research and statistics over the past 20 years indicate that levels of self-employment in the State have remained more or less constant and are not rising. We have an inspection unit which goes on-site and we have had a number of inspections. In fact, it is my plan to increase the resources of the inspection unit so we see what is happening on the ground. If it is taking place, we want it to stop. There are fines in place and we will implement them.

With regard to legislation or the suggestions that came from the committee, we will certainly look at those. However, bringing legislation into this space could actually create more problems than it solves. I am treading cautiously, to be honest with the Deputy.

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