NERA – The National Employment Rights Authority
About Nera
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) was established on an interim basis by the Government in February 2007 on foot of a commitment in the most recent social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. NERA will be established on a statutory basis in 2008.
NERA aims to secure compliance with employment rights legislation and to foster a culture of compliance in Ireland through five main functions:
* Information
The role of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Information Services is to provide free, unbiased information on employment rights in Ireland to employers, employees and other interested parties.
* Inspection
NERA will have a total of 90 inspectors comprising 12 Inspector-Team Managers and 78 Inspectors.
* Enforcement
Prosecutions arising from NERA Inspection Services. Where a breach of Employment Rights legislation has been identified NERA’s Inspection Services’ primary role is to seek compliance with the legislation and rectification of the breach. This includes redress for the employees concerned and payment of any arrears due.
* Prosecution
Prosecutions arising from NERA Inspection Services. Where a breach of Employment Rights legislation has been identified NERA’s Inspection Services’ primary role is to seek compliance with the legislation and rectification of the breach. This includes redress for the employees concerned and payment of any arrears due.
* Protection of Young Persons
The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 is designed to protect the health of young workers, and to ensure that work done during the school years does not put their education at risk. The law sets minimum age limits for employment, sets rest intervals and maximum working hours, and prohibits the employment of those under 18 years of age on late night work. Employers must also keep specified records for those workers aged under18.
NERA is an Office of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and has its headquarters in Carlow, with regional offices in Cork, Dublin, Shannon and Sligo. Ger Deering is the Director of NERA, and he is supported in his role by NERA’s Management Team and the staff of the five functions.
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