Minister Killeen condemns acts of non-compliance with employment rights legislation or mistreatment of workers

Speaking today (Thursday 9^th November 2006) at the launch of a new report by the Migrants Rights Centre of Ireland entitled “Accessing redress for workplace exploitation - The experience of migrant workers”, Minister for Labour Affairs Mr. Tony Killeen condemned without reservation, any practices for whatever reason, which led to non-compliance with employment rights entitlements or any other mistreatment of employees.

Minister Killeen said: “The vast bulk of employers strive to act in an honourable and responsible fashion and the `Irish experience' of the vast majority of migrant workers is a very positive one. Uunfortunately however, there are a few who prey on the inexperience and vulnerability of immigrants.

“This publication provides a useful and highly informative insight into the experiences of migrant workers in Ireland and presents a valuable background against which we as policy makers and legislators can focus attention”, the Minister added.

“This Government is acutely aware that the evolving labour market has brought new demands and challenges for those engaged in delivering employment rights information and the administration and enforcement of employment rights generally. It is against this background that a major package of measures have been agreed by the Social Partners in the ‘Towards 2016’ Agreement which will include the establishment of a new statutory Office dedicated to Employment Rights compliance, a trebling of the number of Labour Inspectors to 90 together with more staffing resources for the adjudicative bodies such as the Labour Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Rights Commissioner Service.

“I believe that these new measures will create a greater compliance environment for all workers and in particular reduce exploitation of migrant workers”. Minister Killeen concluded.

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