Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proportion of the Labour Court's increased case load in 2004 which consisted of complaints concerning the construction industry pension and sick pay schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31625/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Labour Court is an independent statutory body that acts independently in carrying out its functions. The Deputy's question relates to an issue concerning the day-to-day operation of the court, and is one in which I have no direct function.

There are two employment agreements relating to the construction sector registered with the Labour Court: (1) pensions assurance and sick pay; and (2) wages and conditions. Alleged breaches of registered employment agreements are considered by the Labour Court under procedures provided for under section 32 of the Industrial Relations Act 1946.

According to the Labour Court Annual Report for 2004, the increase in referrals to the court in 2004 was mainly attributable to an increase of more than 75% in the number of complaints alleging non-compliance with the registered employment agreements for the construction industry on pension, assurance and sick pay. This has resulted from increased monitoring of the level of adherence to the agreement by both union and employer bodies in that industry.