Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors employed by the National Employment Rights Authority; the number of labour inspectors available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors 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. [8338/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to delivering the key package of measures agreed under the chapter dealing with Employment Rights and Compliance in the National Social Partnership Agreement, 'Towards 2016'.

In accordance with the 'Towards 2016' commitment, NERA is progressively increasing the number of labour inspectors from 31 to 90. Recruitment processes to select an additional 59 inspectors have been completed and to date 50 of these posts have been filled. A further 5 inspectors are due to commence on the 3rd of March 2008 and appointment of inspectors to fill the 4 remaining posts is progressing. Due to success in recent internal Departmental competitions and internal Departmental transfers, 5 of the original 31 inspectors posts are now vacant and therefore, currently, there are 76 inspectors employed in the National Employment Rights Authority.

Of the 76 inspectors currently employed, 48 have completed the core modules of the NERA Inspector training course and 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. The remaining 28 are currently undergoing training. In relation to the inspectors yet to join NERA, it is intended to incorporate these inspectors in the scheduled training immediately upon assignment.