Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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745. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); and her plans to investigate whether the company's actions are in breach of the law. [37444/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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This issue would seem primarily to relate to industrial relations issues within the company in the context of the company restructuring its operations and potential job losses. These are matters that would be for negotiation between the employer and the employees and their representatives in the normal course of resolving industrial relations issues. The Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court can assist with such discussions. Industrial relations matters fall within the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

It must be emphasised that Ireland operates a system of industrial relations that is voluntary in nature under which responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives.

Government supports the development of an institutional framework supportive of a voluntary system of industrial relations that is premised upon freedom of contract and freedom of association. An extensive range of statutory provisions have been put in place to provide the legislative support for such a framework.

There is merit in both parties working closely together and with the dispute handling mechanisms of the State to make every effort to reach a resolution on the issues in dispute to achieve a positive outcome for the employees, the company and the customers of the company.

As Minister responsible for employment rights policy, I would point out that Ireland has a comprehensive suite of employment rights legislation. The Workplace Relations Commission is mandated to secure compliance with this legislation. Where an individual believes they are being deprived of their employment rights, they may refer a complaint to the WRC where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication, leading to a decision enforceable through the District Court. WRC Inspectors can also be asked to investigate certain breaches of the legislation.

The WRC's Customer Service Section, which provides information to both employers and employees in relation to employment, equality and industrial relations rights and obligations, can be contacted at Lo-call: 1890 80 80 90 or 059-9178990.

The website www.workplacerelations.ie also provides information on employment rights.

I will ask my officials to examine the issues raised in your Question in the context of the aforementioned employment rights legislation and will revert in due course.