Employer could be jailed over stranded workers

THE person who left 14 migrant workers stranded on an island off the Dublin coast could face huge fines and even a jail sentence if found guilty of breaking health and safety laws.

The individual who employed the workers, 12 men and two women, to pick periwinkles faces a number of prosecutions and a maximum fine of €3 million or two years in prison if found to have deliberately endangered the lives of workers.

Sources within the HSA said officials are keen to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident, particularly as it involves what appears to be low-paid and vulnerable migrant workers.