Written answers

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Employment Rights

10:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of prosecutions taken by his labour inspectors in each of the past five years; the corresponding figure to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/07]

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The number of prosecutions initiated by Inspection Services for each year from 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007 is set out in the table that follows this reply. The primary role of Inspection Services, encompassed within the new National Employment Rights Authority, in the case of breaches of employment rights legislation is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including redress for the individuals concerned and payment of any arrears due to employees. In this regard Inspection Services recovered arrears of pay amounting to almost €1.4 million from 349 employers in 2006. Almost €2 million has been recovered to date in 2007.

In the majority of cases, breaches are rectified and associated arrears are paid without recourse to legal proceedings. The Deputy should be aware that the Rights Commissioners service of the Labour Relations Commission, which is independent of my Department, also hears complaints about breaches of certain employment rights legislation. Unions may make a complaint to the Labour Court under section 32 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 in relation to breaches of a Registered Employment Agreement. Section 45 of the 1946 Act provides that employees may initiate proceedings in respect of any failure to comply with the minimum wage conditions of an Employment Regulation Order.

Prosecutions initiated by Inspection Services
YearNo. of Prosecutions
200225
200320
200414
200525
20067
2007 (to date)16

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