Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to reports that some non-national workers were paid less than Irish workers on at least two projects being funded by the Government; that underpaid workers were afraid to query lower pay rates for fear of losing their jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31622/05

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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In the absence of specific information in respect of the employments concerned I am not in a position to comment on the detail. However, if it is the case that non-national workers were paid less than Irish workers for comparable work and there are no other relevant differentiating features it may be appropriate to refer the matter to the Equality Authority for consideration under equality legislation.

Furthermore, in the event that there is information provided to the effect that the workers concerned were not in receipt of the statutory minimum rates of pay set out in legislation, for the particular economic sector in which they were employed, the labour inspectorate will investigate the matter, in confidence.