Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Deputy's point. Reforming a complex system takes time, but we are committed to that reform and the associated legislative process. From a public service delivery point of view, we must consider the situation as it stands. Prior to 2012, there were more than 100 possible first instance complaints involving 30 complaint forms which could be lodged with five separate bodies. The process of bringing everything together under a workplace relations commission is complex. Practitioners in this area have acknowledged that complexity. We must ensure the legislative approach we adopt is robust and will stand up to scrutiny. It is a case of kicking the tyres, so to speak, before we proceed. The workplace relations Bill will give statutory effect to the reforms we are bringing forward, but the enactment of the Bill will necessitate amendments to 22 primary Acts, 12 specified Parts or sections of Acts and 71 statutory instruments. We are committed to implementing these reforms.

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