Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he plans to take to establish the number of people from other countries working illegally here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31136/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 it is illegal for a national from outside the European Economic Area to be in employment without an employment permit, except in specific circumstances. It is not possible to establish the precise number of people from other countries working illegally in Ireland. However, measures are being taken to restrict illegal working in Ireland.

Under the 2006 Act, data may be exchanged between my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Revenue Commissioners. This has significantly enhanced the enforcement capacity of these Departments and agencies.

In addition, a major package of measures has been agreed by the parties to Towards 2016, the new Social Partnership Agreement, to provide for enhanced public confidence in the system of compliance. New legislation, to be brought before the Oireachtas shortly, will empower the Labour Inspectorate of the National Employment Rights Authority to join with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. Such units will have a particular focus on the employment status of workers. The National Employment Rights Authority is currently working with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners with a view to the early establishment and operation of Joint Investigation Units within existing legal and administrative frameworks.

Towards 2016 also includes a number of other specific commitments in relation to employment status and in relation to the "Hidden Economy". The Government and social partners have agreed under Towards 2016 to review the application of the existing Code of Practice on employee status with a view to more effective implementation. My Department will be actively involved in that review. In addition, the Government and the social partners agreed under Towards 2016 to continue and expand the work of the Hidden Economy Working Group, which will make an important contribution in this area. This group comprises representatives of my own Department and the National Employment Rights Authority as well as the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, the Small Firms Association and the Construction Industry Federation.