Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recent document, Managing the Immigration and Employment of non-EU nationals in Ireland, produced by the policy institute at Trinity College, Dublin, and particularly its findings that new labour immigration policies would fail unless employment laws were strictly enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/05]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recently published TCD policy institute report, Managing the Immigration and Employment of non-EU nationals in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18076/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 87 together.

I welcome the publication of this policy institute blue paper by Dr. Martin Ruhs. Dr. Ruhs has undertaken valuable and comprehensive academic research with regard to the history and trends of economic migration in Ireland. The paper puts forward suggestions regarding the employment permits system. These suggestions will be closely studied in the context of the forthcoming Employment Permits Bill and the implementation of a more actively managed economic migration policy.

With regard to the enforcement of migration laws, the labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant workers. The inspectorate operates without any differentiation with regard to worker nationality as statutory employment rights and protections apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native Irish workers. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found, the inspectorate seeks redress for the individual or individuals concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.

I recently announced that I am appointing additional labour inspectors who will place a specific emphasis on sectors where migrant workers are concentrated. The group will consist of a team leader and ten labour inspectors. This significant increase of 50% in its staffing will allow the inspectorate to do a lot more of what it does best — ensuring that compliance with the law and ensuring workers get their entitlements.

I urge anyone who has specific evidence of the mistreatment of workers to furnish all the relevant details and any related materials to the inspectorate with a view to pursuing the matter.