Labour inspectors have targeted the mushroom sector for increased attention in light of concerns about exploitation of workers.
Minister of State for labour affairs Tony Killeen told the Dáil he was aware there was particular concern about alleged employment practices in the sector. The matter had been brought to his attention by a "variety of sources" he said in answer to a written question by Labour TD Joan Burton.
Mr Killeen said the labour inspectorate, which polices implementation of the minimum wage and other employment laws, had identified the sector for a "focused campaign" this year.
Ms Burton asked if the minister had been made aware of reports migrants from within the EU were working in the mushroom industry for €2.50 an hour.
A number of organisations dealing with migrant workers have said the mushroom sector is the subject of a disproportionate number of complaints.
In a separate Dáil reply, to Labour TD Tommy Broughan, Mr Killeen said the labour inspectorate was monitoring a subcontractor at the ESB power station in Moneypoint accused of underpaying workers.
The Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union claimed in March that ZRE Katowice, which is involved in the €350 million refurbishment of the power plant, had been paying Polish workers less than one-third of the legal minimum rate. ZRE Katowice admitted to "limited underpayments" but said the situation had been rectified.
Mr Killeen said the company had produced revised contracts of employment and these were being examined by the labour inspectorate. "While the inspectorate has no function in providing any form of approval or endorsement of such documents, we will convey observations on any aspects that might give cause for concern," he said.
An inspection of the company's records would be carried out shortly to ensure it had met its undertaking to pay arrears due to its workers, the Minister added.
Meanwhile, figures released by Mr Killeen to the Dáil show that more labour inspections have been carried out already this year than in the whole of 2005. Ten additional inspectors were appointed last year, to bring the total to 31. Some 5,799 inspections have been done to date this year, compared with 5,719 last year.
