Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 99: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections carried by the Labour Inspectorate to date in 2007; the way this compares with the same period in 2006; the reason for the significant decline in the number of inspections carried out in the first nine months of 2007 as compared to the first nine months of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31142/07]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The number of employment rights inspections/visits undertaken to 23rd November, 2007 by the Inspection Services of the National Employment Rights Authority, or NERA, amounted to 12,002. In the full year 2006, some 15,855 inspections/visits were undertaken. Insofar as comparisons with the same period in 2006 are concerned I am advised by NERA that some 10,600 employment rights inspections/visits were undertaken in the period 1st January to 31st October, 2007. This represents a reduction of 28% in comparison to the 14,600 inspections/visits undertaken in the same period in 2006.

There are three main reasons for the reduction in the number of inspections to date in 2007 compared to 2006. Firstly, NERA Inspection Services undertook a comprehensive and extensive employment rights compliance campaign in the construction sector during June and July this year. The nature of the Construction Sector in terms of mobility, places of employment (headquarters and sites) and numbers of employees dictated a specific approach from NERA Inspection Services in order to optimise effectiveness. This approach was resource intensive in terms of inspector numbers, planning, intelligence gathering and liaison with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to joint investigations and the exchange of data. This campaign necessarily resulted in the diversion of resources for a considerable period from inspection activity in sectors that would be less demanding in terms of inspection planning, liaison and duration. However, the approach adopted for the Construction Campaign was extremely successful. Some €1.3 million has to date in 2007 been secured by NERA Inspection Services for employees arising from breaches detected in the construction sector.

Secondly, the 12,002 employment rights inspections/visits undertaken to date in 2007 exclude a significant number of inspections which will arise from a protection of young persons employment rights campaign to be undertaken during December. Thirdly, some 59 new inspectors will, by the end of 2007, have been recruited in line with the commitment given under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement. This large influx of new inspectors within such a short timeframe requires a huge commitment from existing inspectors in terms of training, mentoring and other supports and must necessarily divert some resources from inspection activity.

Notwithstanding the reduction to date in the number of employment rights inspections/visits compared to the same period in 2006, it should be noted that the outcomes in a number of respects are extremely positive. Firstly, over €2.2 million in arrears due to employees has to date in 2007 been recovered by NERA Inspection Services compared to €1.4 million for the full year in 2006. Secondly, 2,198 breaches have to date in 2007 been detected by Inspection Services compared to 2,108 for the full year in 2006. Thirdly, 25 prosecutions have been initiated by Inspection Services to date in 2007 compared to 8 for the full year in 2006. These outcomes point to the value of the more focussed and targeted activities being undertaken by NERA in relation to employment rights promotion and compliance.