Written answers

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Industrial Relations Issues

Photo of Séamus HealySéamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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35. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he will implement the commitment in the programme for Government to legislate for collective bargaining through a trade union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43832/13]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform the current law on employees' right to engage in collective bargaining (the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001), so as to ensure compliance by the State with recent judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.

With this in mind, in late 2013, I wrote to relevant stakeholders inviting their observations on the matter. Submissions have been received and follow up meetings have taken place between Departmental officials and stakeholders.

I hope to be in a position to put proposals to Cabinet by November this year. In this context, I am certain that satisfactory arrangements can be put in place that will reconcile Ireland’s constitutional, social and economic traditions, and international obligations, whilst at the same time ensuring continued success in building Ireland’s domestic jobs-base and in attracting overseas investment into the economy.

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a County Manager (details supplied) is refusing to take the necessary steps to have notices issued in accordance with Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the regular monthly meetings of the Borough Council unless the elected councillors agree to participate in a mediation process administered by the Labour Relations Commission commencing on the 24 of October 2013; if it has been drawn to his attention that the Labour Relations Commission has not consulted with the councillors; if he will consider amending the Industrial Relations Act 1990 so as to ensure that all parties are consulted in advance of such proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43849/13]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I have no function with regard to the day to day functions of a County Manager under the Local Government Act 2001.

The Labour Relations Commission has general responsibility for promoting good industrial relations in Ireland. In this regard it provides a comprehensive range of industrial relations services including advice, conflict resolution (conciliation, facilitation and mediation) and conflict prevention. The LRC’s Workplace Mediation Service provides a prompt, confidential and effective remedy to workplace conflicts, disputes and disagreements. Participation in the process is voluntary.

The Commission commits to the confidential handling of any issues referred to it. The Commission will not publish details of any individual case or the identity of any applicant and therefore, I cannot comment on specific case or issues referred to the LRC.

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