Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases and prosecutions that have taken place against employers for violations of immigration and employment law under the Employment Act, 2003 and the Employment Permits Act, 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25352/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006, it is illegal to employ a non-EEA national without an employment permit where one is required.

These Acts provide for a large number of obligations and offences including those relating to:

The employment of foreign nationals except in accordance with an employment permit

Refusal to cooperate with inquiries of An Garda Síochána

Forgery, fraudulent alteration or fraudulent use of an employment permit

Misuse by employer or employee of employment permit e.g. transfer to another person.

Any prosecutions initiated under these Acts are a matter for An Garda Síochána, who come under the auspices of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I am informed that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has made enquiries with the Garda authorities in relation to the number of prosecutions but it has not been possible in the time frame available to obtain the statistical information requested. This information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.