Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The need for reform of the joint labour committee system was clearly signalled in the programme for Government. Mr. Kevin Duffy of the Labour Court and Mr. Walsh have produced a very detailed report setting out a reform mechanism. The relevant stakeholders, the employers and trade unions, are now participating in a consultation process on the report initiated by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The outcome of the consultation process will be brought to Government and any changes in this area will be decided collectively by the Government. In that context, the Government will consider the impact of the reform proposals on workers with a view to achieving balanced reform which produces good outcomes for employment and social protection.

In the meantime I have asked my officials to examine the broader impact of the report on low-paid workers and the social protection system generally and how reduced pay levels could possibly lead to an increased reliance on the social welfare system. This assessment will assist the Government's deliberations on the proposed reforms with a view to achieving balanced reform for everyone concerned.

The social inclusion division which was in the Ministry formerly known as "Craggy" has returned to my Department since 1 May. That division has an important Government role in promoting the implementation of poverty impact assessment as a key tool in promoting good practice and innovation in policy implementation.

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