Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department will consider a detailed investigation into the issue of construction industry pensions, insurance and sick pay, particularly in relation to the level of notification that has been adopted by the various unions involved and by the construction monitoring agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18666/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not believe that an investigation along the lines suggested by the Deputy is necessary. There are two Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) in place for the construction industry; one of which deals specifically with the issues raised by the Deputy, namely pension, assurance and sick pay. Separately, there is also a Registered Employment Agreement in place for the electrical contracting industry covering all terms and conditions of employment in that sector, including pension and sick pay.

Information in relation to these REAs is disseminated to employers and workers via a wide range of structures and organisations, all of whom have an important role to play in ensuring compliance by employers with the pay and conditions requirements in those sectors. To begin with the Labour Court publishes notification of the registration of such agreements in the National newspapers and on its website.

NERA, the National Employment Rights Authority, provides information to employers and employees on its website and through its call centre in relation to employment rights and responsibilities generally, and this would include responsibilities arising under REAs. This would include providing detailed advice if requested. Other bodies that play an important role in disseminating information on the terms of the REAs to employers and employees include the trade unions representing workers in the sectors, the Construction Industry Federation and IBEC.

There are specific mechanisms in place in the construction and electrical sectors to monitor compliance and disseminate information in relation to the relevant REAs. In the construction sector, the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency's (CIMA) role is to ensure that employers in the construction industry register their employees in the Construction Workers Pension Scheme, and pay the weekly contributions on their behalf. For the electrical sector, EPACE advises electrical contractors of their responsibilities under, and ensures compliance with, the REA.

Having regard to the foregoing, I am satisfied that there are sufficient mechanisms currently in place to ensure adequate notification to interested parties of the respective entitlements and obligations of both workers and employers under the REAs in question.