Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the fact that the Joint Labour Committee legislation is now in place, when the process of re establishing the JLCs will commence; if he will expand the scope of JLCs to include additional categories of low paid workers; when he will establish the code of practice for Sunday working regarding compensatory arrangements for workers covered by JLCs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37886/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 was enacted on 24 July 2012 and commenced on 1 August 2012.

The new Section 41A of Industrial Relations Act 1946 (inserted by Section 11 of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012) provides that the reviews of the JLCs will be carried out by the Labour Court, as soon as practicable after the commencement of the Act. The purpose of this provision, which was a recommendation contained in the Duffy Walsh Report, is to provide a means by which the scope of individual JLCs can be reviewed so as to ensure that the range of activities to which they relate remains relevant. I understand that work will begin on the process shortly. The outcome of these reviews will inform the Labour Court as to whether any JLC should be maintained in its current form, amalgamated with another JLC or its establishment order amended.

I have asked the Labour Relations Commission to begin work on the formulation of two Codes of Practice. The first, on Sunday Working, will provide guidance to employers, employees and their representatives in sectors covered by Employment Regulation Orders, on arrangements that may be put in place to comply with the options specified at section 14 of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. The second will address the standardisation of benefits in the nature of pay – including overtime and the conditions under which it becomes payable – across sectors covered by JLCs. I understand that preparatory work on the two Codes is underway.