Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors currently employed by the labour inspectorate of his Department; the number of labour inspectors currently available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors currently in training following recruitment; the status of the recruitment campaign to increase the Labour Inspectorate to 90 inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25379/07]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The delivery of commitments on employment rights under Towards 2016 is a key priority for Government. The necessary resources to ensure their delivery have been provided.

In relation to the Labour Inspectorate, the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" provides that the number of Labour Inspectors would be progressively increased from 31 to 90 by end-2007. Recruitment of the additional Labour Inspectors is progressing.

In addition to the 31 serving Labour Inspectors, six new Labour Inspectors were appointed in April 2007 and have undergone intensive training and are now available for assignment on normal duties.

Fourteen more Labour Inspectors were appointed in September and October 2007. Six have completed their intensive training and have commenced on the job training. The remaining eight are still undergoing intensive training.

Selection of the ten Labour Inspectors with specific language skills is progressing. Final interviews are scheduled for the 5th November 2007. Appointments are anticipated shortly thereafter. When these appointments are made, there will be 61 Labour Inspectors appointed.

Competitions for recruitment of the remaining 29 Labour Inspectors have been advertised. The closing dates for these competitions are 26th October and 1 November and it is proposed to hold interviews for these positions in early November.

I am pleased with the progress made to date and I have confidence that all assignments will be made by end of 2007, in accordance with the commitment under Towards 2016.