Mr. Kevin Figgis:

One of the major changes from an industrial relations point of view has been visual, namely, the refusal of more senior level staff, either within the HSE, the Departments or whatever, to allow people at local level to make changes. To be fair to people within HR roles and so on, there has been a demonstrative change in their ability to negotiate, sit down and discuss problems. The tools they are given to problem solve are minimal. Aside from localised discussions that may take place, it is evident in the types of cases that go to conciliation within the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and so on. This is no disrespect to people who work and provide a valuable service at the WRC, but it is clear that the managers attending hearings are not given the remit within which to solve the problem, while those who have the remit ensure they do not attend.