Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: 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. [4064/08]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors at the end of 2007. [4080/08]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 38 together.

In accordance with commitments given under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement, the number of Inspectors was scheduled to increase to 90, from the starting position of 31, by the end of 2007. Twenty new Inspectors were recruited by the National Employment Rights Authority during 2007 bringing the total number of Inspectors employed during 2007 to fifty one. However, one Inspector was promoted and transferred to another Government Department in November 2007 bringing the total number of Inspectors at the 31 December 2007 to fifty.

The twenty Inspectors recruited during 2007 have completed the core modules of the NERA Inspector training course and all fifty Inspectors 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.

Following the recent competitions for the recruitment of an additional thirty nine Inspectors, twenty nine Inspectors have been assigned to NERA. Twenty four commenced training in January 2008, four will commence in February 2008 and a further one will commence in March 2008.

Assignment of the remaining Inspectors selected in the competitions is ongoing. For example NERA is awaiting release dates for some candidates required to work their contractual notice obligations. However, it is proposed to schedule training for these Inspectors immediately upon assignment.