The employment rights information unit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has a new lo-call phone number 1890 201 615 for outside the 01 area.

The unit can also be contacted at 01 631 3131.

Labour Affairs Minister Mr Tom Kitt said his department had dealt with 73,000 telephone inquiries already this year.

"Ireland's employment rights legislation established the minimum statutory rights applicable to all 1.8 million people working here.

"The more people who are aware of their statutory entitlements the better."

The unit is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, including lunchtime.