Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

61. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the ERO for the security sector for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23315/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On the 25^th August 2023, the then Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, signed the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Security Sector which came into force on 4th September 2023. At that time approximately 16,000 workers benefitted from the ERO, which included a wage increase to €12.90 per hour.

In addition to the pay increases, the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) for the Security Sector agreed new procedures to apply in the industry some of which relate to the following: Annual Leave, Working Hours, Rest Periods and Breaks, Rosters and Minimum Shift hours.

JLCs are independent in their functions under law. A JLC is made up of equal numbers of employer and worker representatives appointed by the Labour Court, and a chairman and substitute chairman appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

If a JLC adopts proposals for an ERO for a sector, it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals.

If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy will be presented to me and, if I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals.

I have not received a proposal from the Labour Court in relation to a new ERO for the Security Sector although I am aware of reports that it is considering proposals on this. Should the Labour Court submit such a proposal, I will give it due and timely consideration.

I remain strongly supportive of the state’s collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms, and the important work of the Joint Labour Committees in setting EROs. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the essential work which is carried out by the thousands of workers in the security sector to ensure our safety every day.