Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's proposal is not appropriate. The professional terms of engagement between parties and their professional representatives is primarily a matter of contract. Professional representatives such as lawyers are subject to statutory regulation and/or guidelines issued by their professional associations. Such professionals are also subject to the oversight of those associations in the event of a disciplinary matter arising. It would be inappropriate for the Chairman of the Labour Court to prejudge the outcome of any such disciplinary process. It is not within the scope of the Bill to provide for the regulation of professional representatives, legal or otherwise, who hold themselves out as suitably qualified or experienced in the areas of industrial relations, human resources, employment law, etc. I will, therefore, not accept the amendment.

We do not intend that people be obliged to have a lawyer. We are not regulating representatives or making provision for awards of costs. What the Deputy is seeking is not appropriate under the legislation given people could represent themselves and the issue of their relationship with someone they choose to bring as a representative will not be adjudicated on by the Labour Court.

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