Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to non-national workers in 2005; the way in which this compares with previous years; the extent to which he and his Department monitor the pay and working conditions of the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18050/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The work permits section of my Department has issued 9,349 work permits from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2005. This compares with 13,039 for the same period in 2004, and 13,909 for that period in 2003.

The labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including immigrant 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. Statutory employment rights and protections apply to immigrant workers in exactly the same manner as they do to native Irish workers. I have recently announced a 50% increase in the numbers of labour inspectors and have directed that these additional officers focus particularly on the sectors where non-EEA employees are most numerous.

In addition, where employers seek work permits in order to employ non-EEA nationals, the Department requires the statement of the main functions of the job, salary-wages, deductions, other than statutory, other benefits and hours to be worked per week. Both the proposed employer and the proposed employee must sign this statement. Work permits are not granted unless there is compliance with minimum wage legislation. Applications for renewals require confirmation that the stated wages have been paid — P60 and other sources are used. If there is evidence that particular employers are exploiting immigrant workers, I ask that it be brought to the attention of the labour inspectorate for investigation and further action.