John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employees in the horticulture sector who are holders of work permits employed in companies in County Leitrim including companies with different divisions where they have 25 employees; the level of inspections which are carried out regarding pay and work conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39369/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The work permits section of my Department issued one work permit to employ a non-EEA national for one company within the horticultural sector in County Leitrim in the 12 months up to 30 November 2005.

The wages and employment conditions of workers employed in the horticulture sector are generally governed by the agriculture employment regulation order, which is enforced by the labour inspectorate of my Department. No complaints have been received by the labour inspectorate in respect of employees in the horticulture sector in County Leitrim and no inspections have been carried out in 2005 in that sector in County Leitrim.

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 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.