Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in regard to his announcement of the recruitment of an additional 11 labour inspectors, the number that have been appointed to date; when the full number will be appointed; if they will be concentrated on any particular area of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18014/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Following my recent announcement on 12 April, there are now 31 labour inspector posts. Immediate steps have been taken to source the new inspectors initially from within the existing staff complement of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. The recruitment process has commenced and I would expect early appointments.

The additional inspectors will strengthen the labour inspectorate's capacity to ensure that workers in these sectors receive their entitlements under employment rights legislation. This significant increase will allow the inspectorate to do a lot more of what it does best — ensuring compliance with the law and ensuring workers get their entitlements.

The additional inspectors will concentrate their efforts on issues of concern to migrant workers. The inspectorate will now be able to offer a better service by responding faster to complaints and enable it to dedicate resources to in-depth investigations.

This expansion of the inspectorate together with support staff and colleagues in the employment rights information unit and the prosecution and enforcement unit make up an integrated group dedicated to ensuring people get their entitlements.