Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 206: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if, in view of the proposed re-establishment of joint labour committees, he will confirm that new legislation will not contain any proposals to change workers' pay and conditions in a downward trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29570/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 26 July 2011 the Government agreed a package of radical reforms to the Joint Labour Committee and Registered Employment Agreement wage settling mechanisms. The reform proposals deal with recommendations made and issues raised in the Independent Report on the JLC/REA systems (Duffy/Walsh report) as well as the outcome of the recent High Court ruling in the Grace Fried Chicken constitutional challenge.

The proposed measures will provide for the retention of the JLC and REA systems, subject to the reforms that are required to place them on a more secure legal and constitutional footing. They will also reinstate a robust system of protection for workers in these sectors in the aftermath of the High Court ruling.

The report of the Independent Review does not recommend, nor have I proposed, downward adjustments in pay and conditions for the sectors covered by JLCs / REAs.

Heads of a Bill to give effect to the reform proposals have been prepared by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, agreed by Government, and communicated to the Attorney General, who has agreed to give the highest priority to drafting this legislation. It is my intention is to have a Bill ready to introduce to the Oireachtas at the earliest possible opportunity this term.