Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 686: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of fully trained and deployed labour inspectors with the National Employment Rights Authority; the corresponding figure for 31 December 2007; the number of inspectors in training on both dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2476/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Considerable progress has been made in the recruitment and deployment of Labour Inspectors over the past year. There are now 79 Inspectors employed in the National Employment Rights Authority.

Twenty new Inspectors were recruited by the National Employment Rights Authority during 2007 bringing the total number of Inspectors deployed at the 31 December 2007 to fifty. The twenty Inspectors recruited have completed the core modules of the NERA Inspector training course and all fifty Inspectors deployed are involved in carrying out inspections and other associated enquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with certain employment rights legislation.

Since 31st December 2007 and following the competitions that were held towards the end of last year, a further twenty nine Inspectors have been assigned to NERA. Twenty four of these new Inspectors commenced training in January 2008, four will commence training in February 2008 and a further one will commence training in March 2008. It is proposed to incorporate these Inspectors in the scheduled training immediately upon assignment.

The final batch of eleven candidates is being processed at the moment and assignment dates are being settled individually according to each candidate's current work arrangements and other factors.