Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors currently employed by the National Employment Rights Authority; the number of labour inspectors currently available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors currently in training following recruitment; the status of the recruitment campaign to increase the Labour Inspectorate to 90 inspectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19845/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the cross-departmental joint labour investigation teams will be operational; the number of labour inspectors actively performing inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19597/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 108 together.

The Social Partnership Agreement 'Towards 2016' committed to greater co-ordination between organisations concerned with employment rights compliance, with a view to realising the considerable potential for synergy that exists in this area. In particular, the Agreement provided that authorised officers of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) would join with officers of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to work together to address non-compliance with employment rights legislation.

A joint investigation approach between the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has been operational since 2007.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, which came into operation on 30th March, 2007, provides for the disclosure of relevant employment data between the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment/NERA.

Since the enactment of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, exchange of information activity and joint investigation activity have taken place between the bodies in a number of specific cases. In 2007, joint investigation activity, involving NERA for the first time, took place during the Construction Industry Campaign in May-July 2007. In 2008, joint investigation activity was undertaken in a number of sectors including the catering, the hotel and the haulage sector. In 2009, joint investigation activity has continued through both the exchange of information and joint inspections.

The three bodies are proactively promoting and encouraging joint activity at a central and local level. I understand that a series of regional meetings were held late last year involving the relevant inspectors in those regions. These meetings have ensured that all officers understand their respective roles and potential synergies arising from working together within the parameters set out in the legislation.

In relation to the number of inspectors, NERA currently has in place a team of 77 Inspectors. Recruitment competitions were held to bring the number of Inspectors from the original level of 31 Inspectors up to the level of 90 committed to under Towards 2016. 60 inspectors were assigned to NERA from these competitions. All NERA inspectors were recruited by way of competitive procedures, including internal competition within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, competition among staff of other Government Departments and a selection process undertaken by the Public Appointments Service to recruit ten inspectors with language skills.

14 Inspectors have left NERA over the past year as a result of promotion or internal and external Departmental transfers and re-assignments. As a result, the total number of NERA Inspectors currently stands at 77. Of the 77 inspectors, 2 are currently on maternity leave and are not, therefore, available for inspections and associated duties.

All new Inspectors are required to complete the NERA Inspection Services Introductory Training Programme and to undertake 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. All Inspectors have completed the Introductory Training Programme and are fully operational.

The Minister for Finance recently introduced a moratorium on the filling of vacancies in the Public Service until the end of 2010, which will impact on NERA in common with all other public bodies.