Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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33. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the advances his Department have made in preparing an action plan for collective bargaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50797/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains the commitment to finalise an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining by the end of 2025, in line with the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages. Work on developing the action plan in conjunction with the social partners is currently ongoing.

A public consultation was held from April to May 2025 on the possible content of the Action Plan. The responses to this public consultation will be published on the Department's website in due course.

A working group has been established with Department officials and the social partners to examine what will be considered for inclusion in Ireland’s action plan. This group has met regularly this year and their work is essential in developing the content of the action plan.

My Department has also engaged in progressing the recommendations in the Doherty Report, particularly those on Good Faith Engagement and a new ERO process, which would require substantive legislative changes. These more challenging proposals require significant policy considerations. It is important that we work through these issues in a considered way so that whatever changes we make are both appropriate and sustainable.

While it is too early to comment on the content of the action plan., it is my intention that a balanced and evidence-based approach be undertaken in considering any legislative or policy changes arising from the action plan.