Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the impact the recent High Court settlement between the Labour Court and the Irish Hotel's Federation will have on joint labour committees and registered employment agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16711/08]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for the operation of the Joint Labour Committees of the decision of the High Court to quash the order made by the Joint Committee for the Hotel Industry fixing minimum wage levels for workers in that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16558/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 59 together.

I have noted the decision reached in the High Court on 7 February to quash the Employment Regulation Order, relating to minimum remuneration of workers, made by the Labour Court on foot of proposals from the Hotel Joint Labour Committee on 5 November 2007, and to remit the matter back to the Joint Labour Committee.

The implications of the issues raised during the course of the action have required further reflection by the Hotels Joint Labour Committee, the Labour Court and by my Department. I understand that Draft proposals for a new Employment Regulation Order for the Hotels sector were published on 16th April. A three week period is allowed for representations to the Hotels Joint Labour Committee with regard to the proposals, and a meeting of the Committee to consider any representations has been arranged for 8th May next.

Active consideration of any legislative changes that may be necessary to protect the integrity of the JLC system and that of Registered Employment Agreements is also under way in my Department.

I would like to assure Deputies of the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that there are adequate systems and processes in place to underpin employment standards.