Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Since the setting up of the Labour Court almost 60 years ago, structures and systems have evolved in an ad hoc manner to the extent that there are now seven bodies and 25 Acts operating in the employment rights and industrial relations area. The evolution of a large body of employment rights legislation has led to the current system, which can be complex and costly, with duplication of functions as well as divergences in procedures and remedies.

Arising out of a commitment in the programme for Government 2002-07, a review group on the functions of the employment rights bodies was established. This was the first ever review of the role and relationships of the employment rights bodies and their adjudication and enforcement frameworks. On 24 May I announced that the Government had agreed a programme of action in response to the report and recommendations of the review group and my subsequent consultations with the various interested parties. I am confident the programme of action will improve considerably the levels of customer service that the various employment rights bodies can offer to those using the dispute resolution services. It will also facilitate the simplification and modernisation of procedures, providing greater transparency and ease of access.

The consolidation of the large corpus of legislation in this area, when coupled with the legislative proposals emerging from the work of the employment rights group which is to be established, will enhance the coherence and user-friendliness of the employment rights adjudication and enforcement system and be of benefit to all.

See this speech in context