Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the National Employment Rights Authority will be established on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41767/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Significant progress is being made on delivering the commitments agreed in Towards 2016 and, in this regard, the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) was established on an interim basis in February 2007, pending drafting and enactment of legislation, to undertake greater levels of employment law compliance activities. The Employment Law Compliance Bill was initiated in this House on 13th March 2008. Part 2 of the Bill provides for the establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) on a statutory footing.

The Bill is a substantial and quite complex piece of legislation, and in its final form will provide for necessary amendments to over 30 separate existing enactments from 1946 onwards. Since publication of the Bill, work has been continuing including further drafting of provisions, legal clarification of certain issues and preparation of schedules of amendments to existing employment law.

In addition, and further to the Transitional Agreement under Towards 2016 concluded in September last, discussions have taken place with a number of stakeholders with a view to enforcing the provisions of the bill. Discussions are also taking place with the Office of the Attorney General on any remaining amendments and draft provisions. The intention is to have all outstanding work on the Bill completed without delay so that the Bill can proceed to Second Stage in the current Dáil term.

The National Employment Rights Authority will be established one month after the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008 is signed into law by the President.