Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Joe O’Reilly for submitting this Commencement matter which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke.

Ireland’s long-standing voluntarist system has served us well over the decades, helping to contribute to industrial peace and stability. It has also enhanced Ireland’s attractiveness as a major investment location and led to a co-operative environment for resolving disputes.

The programme for Government sets out a commitment to publish an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining by the end of 2025. This will be in line with the EU directive on adequate minimum wages. Although the directive is currently before the European Court of Justice, Ireland has reaffirmed its strong commitment to workers’ rights by proceeding with the development of the action plan, regardless of the outcome of the case. As outlined in the directive, the action plan will establish a clear timeline and concrete measures to progressively increase the rate of collective bargaining coverage. The process will have full respect for the autonomy of the social partners and ensure ongoing engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

As part of the Government’s consultative approach, a public consultation was held from April to May of this year to gather broader input on its content. A working party has been established with Department officials and the social partners to examine what will be considered for inclusion in the action plan. This group has met regularly this year and its work is essential in developing the content of the action plan. In the view of the Minister, it is too early to comment on the content of the action plan but it is his intention that a balanced and evidence-based approach be undertaken in considering any legislative or policy changes arising from the action plan. Both legislative and non-legislative options may be considered as part of the broader development of the action plan, depending on the outcomes of the consultation and ongoing policy formulation with the social partners.

The European Commission expert group's report on transposition of the directive is clear that the design of the framework of enabling conditions and the content of the action plan is entirely up to member states in consultation with the social partners.