Construction Industry Federation (CIF) boss Tom Parlon has hit out at claims by Ireland’s largest trade union that some Polish builders are unfairly treated by unscrupulous contractors in the Republic.

Mr Parlon blasted the SIPTU’s Michael Kilcoyne’s remarks for showing "gross irresponsibility".

The CIF chief defended the industry against a stinging attack by Mr Kilcoyne over the treatment of EU nationals.

SIPTU Galway official, Mr Kilcoyne, previously served as chair of the Consumers' Association of Ireland, and is the incumbent vice chairman.

Last week he told the Irish Independent the reputation of the country’s employers had been sullied by the behaviour of some unscrupulous contractors towards foreign workers, namely Polish builders.

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Now, according to Mr Kilcoyne, a number of Polish building sites, seeking workers, have begun to display ‘No Irish’ signs, in what is believed to be in retaliation.

Last year, around 14 Labour Relations Commission cases in Galway were ruled in favour of foreign workers, who had been refused wages and holiday pay.

Mr Kilcoyne pointed to this fact, stating that a number of awards were still outstanding.

Mr Parlon slammed Mr Kilcoyne for allegedly using his position within the Consumers' Association of Ireland to make "sweeping, inaccurate and hugely damaging" statements.

Ten of thousands of Polish workers had been attracted to the Irish construction industry for its high rates of pay and favourable working conditions, according to Mr Parlon.

"Mr Kilcoyne, who is also a SIPTU official, should look at the facts of the situation, which are very clear when it comes to construction," the CIF boss.

Mr Kilcoyne has stood over his comments.

The union spokesman clarified that he had not be speaking as a representative of the Consumers' Association of Ireland, but as a SIPTU official.

(PR/KMcA)