Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the decline from 2002 in 2006 to 1750 in 2007 in the number of inspections to check that the minimum wage was being paid; if there are plans to increase the number of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16568/08]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 39: 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. [16566/08]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the 9% decline in the number of workplace inspections carried out by labour inspectors in 2007, compared to 2006; the plans to increase the number of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16567/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39 and 60 together.

In accordance with commitments given under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement, the number of Inspectors was scheduled to increase from 31 to 90 inspectors by the end of 2007.

Competitions were held in 2007 for the recruitment of the additional fifty-nine Inspectors provided for under the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016. Fifty- six inspectors have been assigned to NERA from these competitions.

All fifty-six inspectors have completed NERA Inspection Services Introductory Training Programme and are currently undertaking further training, including on-the-job training with experienced inspectors. This involves working with experienced inspectors in carrying out inspections and other associated enquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with certain employment rights legislation.

Assignment of the three remaining Inspectors selected in the competitions is ongoing and it is intended that these Inspectors will commence training immediately upon arrival. Five of the original 31 inspectors have left NERA either on promotion or as a result of internal and external Departmental transfers. As a result, the total number of NERA inspectors currently stands at eighty-two. A further recruitment process is being organised to replace the five inspectors and to fill other vacancies as they arise.

The number of calls/visits/inspections undertaken by NERA inspectors to check compliance in 2007 amounted to 14,425. Of these inspections no breaches were detected in 8,556 cases while breaches were detected in 2,353 cases. The number of calls/visits/inspections in 2006 amounted to 15,855. Of these inspections, no breaches were detected in 10,113 cases while breaches were detected in 2,108 cases.

The number of inspections undertaken by NERA inspectors to check compliance with National Minimum Wage legislation in 2007 amounted to 1,942. Of these inspections no breaches were detected in 1,750 cases while breaches were detected in 192 cases. The number of inspections in 2006 amounted to 2,002. Of these inspections, no breaches were detected in 1,898 cases while breaches were detected in 104 cases.

Insofar as comparisons with 2006 and previous years are concerned, I am advised by the National Employment Rights Authority that there are three main reasons for the comparatively lower number of inspections generally carried out in 2007.

Firstly, NERA Inspection Services undertook a comprehensive and extensive employment rights compliance campaign in the construction sector during June and July of 2007. 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 was secured by NERA Inspection Services for employees arising from breaches detected.

Secondly, recruitment processes and training plans had to be put in place for the recruitment of 59 new inspectors in line with the commitment given under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement. Successful candidates were identified for the 59 additional posts and twenty new inspectors were assigned during 2007. Again, this recruitment and training was resource intensive and the influx of the 20 new inspectors within such a short timeframe required a strong commitment from existing inspectors in terms of training, mentoring and other supports and diverted resources from inspection activity during that period.

Thirdly, there has been a substantial training investment in existing inspectors which has limited somewhat their availability for day to day inspection work. This investment will continue in 2008, but it is not expected to impact on the overall service in terms of inspection activity.

Notwithstanding the reduction 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 €2.5 million in arrears due to employees was recovered by NERA Inspection Services in 2007 compared to €1.4 million for 2006. Secondly, 2,353 breaches were detected by Inspection Services in 2007 compared to 2,108 for 2006. Thirdly, 28 prosecutions were initiated by Inspection Services in 2007 compared to 8 for 2006. These outcomes point to the value of the more focused and targeted activities being undertaken by NERA in relation to employment rights promotion and compliance.