Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 35: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections carried out by the Labour Inspectorate to ensure that the minimum wage was being paid in relation to 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of breaches detected; the number of prosecutions initiated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23963/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The number of calls/visits/inspections carried out in relation to the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 during which breaches of the Act were detected and the number of prosecutions initiated is as follows:-

in 2006: 2,002 calls/visits/inspections were undertaken; in 104 cases breaches were detected and in one case a prosecution was initiated.

in 2007: 1,942 calls/visits/inspections were undertaken; in 192 cases breaches were detected and no prosecutions were initiated.

to date in 2008: 1,630 calls/visits/inspections have been undertaken; in 124 cases breaches have been detected and no prosecutions have been initiated.

NERA undertook a targeted campaign, which focused on compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, during the period 14 April to 11 May 2008. Such campaigns, accompanied by awareness and promotional activities, are a significant feature of the National Employment Rights Authority's employment rights compliance and information strategy.

The primary role of the National Employment Rights Authority in the case of breaches of employment rights legislation, is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including redress for the employees concerned and payment of any arrears due to those employees.

It should be noted that in the majority of cases employers rectify breaches of employment law and pay underpayments of wages due to employees without prosecution. However, the National Employment Rights Authority reserves the right to initiate prosecutions in respect of breaches of certain employment legislation. The Deputy should be aware that Rights Commissioners of the Labour Relations Commission also hear complaints concerning breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.