Hotels charged over workers

An investigation in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, during the town's September match-making festival yesterday resulted in two well-known hotels being charged with employing migrant workers without employment permits.

At Ennis District Court yesterday, five defendants appeared in relation to 36 separate summonses over alleged breaches of the Employment Permits Act 2003.

In court yesterday, representatives of the Hydro and Imperial Hotels appeared in connection with allegedly employing non-nationals without employment permits.

The Hydro Hotel is facing eight separate summonses, while the Imperial hotel is facing six summonses.

Hotelier and former Fine Gael Donegal South-West TD, Jim White appeared on behalf of the Imperial Hotel, though Mr White has not been served with any summonses. His son, Marcus, appeared on behalf of the Hydro Hotel and he is also facing the same eight summonses as the hotel.

William O'Sullivan, Rooska, Lisdoonvarna is facing nine summonses, while Geraldine Whyte, Ballyline, Barefield, Ennis, is facing five summonses.

All alleged offences relate to September 7th last year. The alleged offences relate to 13 migrant workers from countries including Malaysia, South Africa and Ukraine.

On each summons, if found guilty, the accused face a maximum fine of €3,000 and/or 12 months in jail.

All five defendants are expected to contest the summonses.

In court yesterday, solicitor for the five, Eugene O'Kelly, applied for some of the summonses to be struck out, claiming that "a number are so deficient as to be a fundamental breach of fair procedure".

However, after considering the matter, Judge Joseph Mangan found in favour of the State.

The case was adjourned to Miltown Malbay District Court on May 11th.