David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

800. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures her Department has put in place to combat bogus self-employment in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11249/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Apart from significant losses to the Exchequer that can arise from cases of so-called bogus self-employment, the practice has serious implications from an employment rights perspective.  In this respect, it is important that individuals are correctly designated regarding their employment status so that those who ought to be designated as employees are not deprived of their employment rights.  This is particularly the case for vulnerable workers who may not feel in a position to object to certain arrangements. 

Ireland has a well-resourced labour inspectorate, which forms part of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and there are existing mechanisms in place to determine the employment status of individuals or groups. 

WRC Inspections are undertaken on the basis of risk analysis which identifies certain sectors, as a result of complaints received and on a routine basis.  Where the WRC inspection service discover or issues are raised in relation to bogus self-employment or bogus sub-contracting, they are forwarded to the Revenue Commissioners and/or the Department of Social Protection (Scope Section) for investigation either solely by the recipient, or jointly with the Workplace Relations Commission.  In this respect, the Deputy will be aware of a case reported in the media earlier this year about a number of construction workers who sought clarification of their employment status from the Department of Social Protection.

In most cases it will be clear whether an individual is employed or self-employed.  Where there is doubt in relation to the employment status of an individual the relevant Departments and Agencies will have regard to the Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals.  This Code was drawn up and agreed in 2007 by the relevant Government Departments with ICTU and IBEC.

Where an individual believes they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees they may refer a complaint to the WRC where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court.  Complaints can be made on a single complaint form available at the WRC’s website www.workplacerelations.ie.

WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate certain breaches.  The WRC’s Customer Service Section, which  provides information to both employers and employees in relation to employment and industrial relations rights and obligations, can be contacted at Lo-call: 1890 80 80 90 or 059-9178990.