Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employees of electrical contractors are included under an agreement registered in Employment Agreements of 7 March 1969 as provided for under section 28 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 and as varied by the Labour Court; if such employers are required to pay into this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30330/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The employment conditions of employees of electrical contractors are regulated under registered employment agreements for the electrical contracting industry as varied by the Labour Court. The agreements apply to all electricians engaged in the general electrical contracting industry and to all electrical contractors engaged in the industry.

The registered employment agreement for the electrical contracting industry provides that sick pay and pension and mortality schemes equal in benefits to those required by the terms of the registered employment agreement for the construction industry apply to those employees over 20 years of age.

With regard to pensions, my Department has no direct role in the day-to-day operation of the pension scheme, which is administered by the Construction Industry Federation. However, there is provision in the agreement for a trade union representative of employers or workers to complain to the Labour Court where an employer is alleged to have failed to comply with the registered employment agreement. In pursuing the matter the Labour Court can be assisted by the labour inspectorate. Acting on specific information from the Labour Court, the employment records of an employer will be examined by an inspector and any relevant information gathered is communicated back to the Labour Court subsequently. The inspectorate has no other function in the matter.

Having completed its examination of the complaint the Labour Court can, where it deems it appropriate, issue an order. The Department will process legal proceedings against an employer who fails to comply with that court order.