Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the purpose and costs associated with establishing a statutory board for the National Employment Rights Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7383/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Employment Law Compliance Bill, which is currently being considered at second stage in the Dáil provides, in Section 19, for the establishment of an Advisory Board to NERA. The purpose of the Board is to act in an Advisory capacity to the Director and to allow NERA to draw on the collective expertise and knowledge of the members. The Board has been established on an interim basis since April 2008 and comprises a chair, three members nominated by the Unions and the Employers' side and, three independent experts appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The intention is that the Board will provide policy advice and input and feedback to the Office on:

matters relating to compliance with, and enforcement of, employment legislation;

the provisions of NERA's Three-year Strategy Statement and its annual work Programme;

the provision of employment rights information;

the delivery of a high standard of customer service by NERA;

proposals for research, surveys and studies.

At the request of the Director, the Board can be asked to advise on any matters relating to the Director's functions. The Bill envisages that the Chairperson of the Advisory Board will present an Annual Report to the Minister and the Director on its activities during the previous year which Report will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. NERA provides secretarial facilities, services and support to the Board. No fees are payable to members of the Advisory Board. The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, pay allowances to cover member's expenses.