Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 582: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date and agenda of the last meeting between the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners regarding the establishment of joint investigation units of employment legislation; when the next meeting is scheduled to take place; when it is expected that these units will be performing investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5201/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The enforcement of employment legislation is primarily a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, in relation specifically to enforcement in the area of illegal working by foreign nationals (including those illegally present in the State), a meeting took place on 25 October 2007 involving officials from my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the National Employment Rights Agency (NERA) to explore a cross-agency approach in the area. I am informed that, since then, in addition to ongoing discussions involving the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and NERA, some bilateral contacts have occurred between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners. I understand that a follow up meeting of all parties has been arranged for 25 February 2008.

While different Departments and agencies have individual responsibilities, it is clear that this issue can only be tackled effectively by a "joined-up" approach. The details of this co-operation have to be fully worked out and further meetings are intended to progress this. This work will be also facilitated by new legislation, namely the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, published recently, and the Employment Law Compliance Bill which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment plans to publish shortly.

In relation to immigration matters, there is already good ongoing co-operation between the GNIB and the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners.