Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 519: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of penalisations and prosecutions taken in conjunction with compliance with the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006; the number of the penalties and prosecutions taken that were taken against employers and the number against employees; and the name of those employers who have been penalised or prosecuted under the Employment Permit Acts. [23168/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All prosecutions to date under the legislation have been initiated under the Employment Permits Act, 2003, by An Garda Siochána. There have been no proceedings commenced to date for offences under the Employment Permits Act, 2006, which came into force on 1st January, 2007.

I understand from the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform that the numbers of proceedings commenced and convictions secured under the Employment Permits Act, 2003 are as follows: In 2003 Proceedings commenced against Employers 83, Convictions 6; Proceedings commenced against Employees 3, Convictions 2. In 2004 Proceedings commenced against Employers 42, Convictions 6; Proceedings commenced against Employees 39, Convictions 14. In 2005 Proceedings commenced against Employers 40, Convictions: 31; Proceedings commenced against Employees 33, Convictions 14. In 2006 Proceedings commenced against Employers 20, Convictions 4; Proceedings commenced against Employees 25, Convictions 3. In 2007 Proceedings commenced against Employers: 0, Convictions: 0; Proceedings commenced against Employees 3, Convictions 1.

I am also informed that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has made enquiries with the Garda authorities regarding the penalties imposed, but it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested. This information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is received.