Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to changes in wages for seasonal workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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On 24 May last, the Government decided to publish the Report of the Independent Review of Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms.

The review is a commitment under the EU/IMF programme, which provided not only for agreement with the European Commission on the terms of reference but also for follow up discussions on the programme of actions arising.

The Report's overall finding that the basic framework of the current JLC/REA regulatory system requires radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions is consistent with the relevant commitment in the Programme for Government.

I am anxious to pursue the agenda for radical overhaul of the ERO/REA system as a matter of urgency, including proposals dealt with in the report and other issues raised by the report. To this end, I have set out an outline of my proposals for that agenda to the Social Partners, and these have already been the subject of discussion with the Construction Industry Federation, IBEC and ICTU. In accordance with the terms of the EU/IMF programme, discussions have also taken place with the Commission Services in this regard.

It is my intention to complete discussions with relevant parties by Friday, 10 June with a view to submitting a final action plan for consideration by Government before the end of the month. The detailed plan will implement far-reaching reforms of the current system including making any legislative changes that may be necessary.