Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 428: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the training given to labour inspectors before taking up their duties; and if they receive training in employment law. [15080/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The breadth and complexity of the inspectorate's remit is such that labour inspectors' training occurs over an extended period of time. Initially, much of this training is undertaken in the company of an experienced officer who will take time to explain the issues at hand and assist the trainee inspector in developing the skills and confidence necessary to take on tasks alone.

A new initiative in this regard was the assignment of an officer, who has over 25 years experience in the labour inspectorate, to oversee and manage the training and development process in respect of the ten new officers appointed to duties in the inspectorate towards the end of last year. Much of the initial training involves presentations and assignments based on the legislative instruments for which the inspectorate is responsible. In addition to in-house and training in the field, all inspectors undertake court skills and safe pass training as part of their development programme.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average length of service of labour inspectors. [15081/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 31 labour inspectors. The average length of service of the inspectors is 3.5 years. The length of service varies from 25 years in the case of two inspectors to less than six months in the case of 11 inspectors, ten of whom were appointed in November 2005.