Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support this amendment. It is uncanny to see the amount of social legislation that is pushed in this State on foot of what happens in Britain. The evidence from Britain is indisputable in this regard. The introduction of fees for these cases was a tactic aimed at denying workers the ability to access the industry relations machinery of the State. Once this provision is in the legislation, a successor to the Minister could introduce fees. We need only look at the attempts to charge money for freedom of information requests or planning applications to see how fees deter ordinary people from seeking justice. I do not think there is any justification for fees. The ability to enforce one's legal rights in respect of employment should be facilitated through an accessible public service which is not subject to a charge.

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