Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will have the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34838/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I have arranged for the Labour Inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to investigate the circumstances set out in the correspondence furnished by the Deputy.

The wages and employment conditions of workers employed in the sectors to which the correspondence relates are governed and safeguarded by Registered Employment Agreements enforced by the Labour Inspectorate. Labour Inspectors are empowered to seek compliance with payment of the statutory minimum rates of pay specified in those Agreements.

The enforcement of the provisions of a Registered Employment Agreement may also be effected under the Industrial Relations Acts. A trade union, an association of employers or an individual employer may complain to the Labour Court that a particular employer is not complying with a Registered Employment Agreement. If, after investigating a complaint, the Court is satisfied that the employer is in breach of a Registered Employment Agreement it may by order direct compliance with the agreement. Failure to comply with such an order is an offence punishable by a fine.