Written answers

Wednesday, 17 May 2006

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Employment Rights

9:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the investigation on the disclosure that Polish workers employed by a contractor at the ESB power station in Moneypoint were being paid well below the national minimum wage; the sanctions or penalties which are available against companies in such situations; the measures which have been taken by his Department to date to ensure full compliance with all labour standards by all contractors, especially those working for State companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18218/06]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Labour Inspectorate has been following up this case since a series of interviews were undertaken with employees concerned on Friday, April 7th last. There is acknowledgement that certain arrears are due to employees.

The company has produced revised contracts of employment to its employees and the Inspectorate is examining this material at present. While the Inspectorate has no function in providing any form of approval or endorsement of such documents we will convey observations on any aspects that might give cause for concern.

The contracting company has provided certain undertakings with regard to the payment of arrears and the rates of pay applicable from April onwards. An inspection of records will be carried out very shortly with a view to verifying that the company's undertakings have been discharged fully and that everything is now in order.

With regard to the broader question of compliance across a range of companies associated through subcontracting relationship the Social Partners have been engaged in dialogue on the matter. It is anticipated that future contracting relationships may require actions that will underpin a tighter regulatory framework in this regard.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to reports indicating that migrant workers, from within the European Union, working in the mushroom industry have been paid €2.50 a hour; the steps he proposes to take to ensure that existing employment laws are not abused in view of the fact that these workers appear to be regarded as self employed agricultural contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18191/06]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware through a variety of sources that there is particular concern with regard to the alleged practices of some employments in the mushroom industry.

In this connection I have met with Officials from SIPTU and key representatives from the industry. In the latter case I was accompanied by my colleague, Mr. Brendan Smith, Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture. Each meeting provided an opportunity for the parties to outline the general position from their particular perspectives. All parties condemned, without reservation, any practices amounting to non-compliance with employment rights entitlements or any other mistreatment of employees.

I am aware that the Labour Inspectorate has identified this sector for a focused campaign this year and that, in the meantime, contacts with regard to the employment status of such workers have been ongoing with colleagues in the Scope Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

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