Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of ministerial prosecutions which have been taken by him on behalf of the labour inspectorate for the years 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006 under the various pieces of employment protection legislation; the number of convictions which have been obtained; if he will collate the cases taken and convictions won under each statutory heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32060/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The number of prosecutions initiated on behalf of the Labour Inspectorate under various pieces of employment protection legislation, in respect of the years 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006 is set out in the tabular statements.

The primary function of the Labour Inspectorate is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including payment of any arrears due to employees. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment and seek redress for the individual/s concerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated. Successful prosecution can be dependent on adequate support from witnesses.