Court proceedings are to be taken against 14 employers in the catering trade in Dublin and Cork for the illegal employment of young workers on night shifts. They are to face charges over breaches of the Protection of Young People in Employment Act 1996.
The Minister for State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Tom Kitt, said an additional seven inspectors are to be engaged to enforce the regulations.
Mr Kitt said a total of 1,114 inspections for conformity with the Act were carried out last year, including a number at night, targeting the hotel and catering sector in Dublin and Cork.
"Arising from that inspection work, 14 cases are at present under preparation for referral to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for the institution of legal proceedings against employers found to be breach of the Act," said Mr Kitt