John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether his Department should instigate a major inquiry into the working conditions of migrant workers to ascertain whether exploitation exists on a wide scale or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12059/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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As the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment stated recently in the Seanad, the experience most migrant workers have to their employment in Ireland is a good one. This is borne out by a high level of renewals of work permits and the steady flow of people from the new member states. I am satisfied that exploitation does not take place on a wide scale but that, where it does, it needs to be stopped.

I am satisfied that with the finalisation of the preparation of the new employment permits Bill will put the employment permits system on a firm statutory footing. It will provide for greater accountability and transparency. The new legislation will also provide additional protection for migrant workers.

I am also satisfied that the 50% increase in the number of labour inspectors which I announced last week will have a strong impact. I have particularly asked that the additional inspectors concentrate their efforts on sectors where there are concentrations of migrant workers.

I have heard many positive comments in this House and by other parties as to the operational capability of the labour inspectorate and this expansion of the inspectorate will enable it and its colleagues who also work on the employment rights compliance side of the Department to provide an integrated service dedicated to ensuring people get their entitlements.