In April 2005, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced the appointment of 11 more labour inspectors, influenced by a controversial internal departmental report on the Labour Inspectorate’s role, and with mounting evidence of exploitation of migrant workers by some employers.
An ongoing review of the role of the Labour Inspectorate- which is responsible for ensuring that employers comply with employment legislation - has coincided with recent allegations of exploitation of migrant workers at firms such as Gama Construction and Irish Ferries, which have attracted significant media attention. As a result, the government has faced growing demands for the number of labour inspectors to be increased. It is widely accepted that the existing contingent of 21 labour inspectors in Ireland is insufficient to police a labour force that is now close to 2 million.
Source: Eiro

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