Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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44. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the public consultation on developing an Action Plan for Collective Bargaining; if the public consultation report will be published in advance of the Action Plan; the timeframe for the publication of the Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52288/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In April 2025, my Department launched a public consultation to obtain views of interested stakeholders across the wider employment and enterprise sectors on the possible content of the action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining. In total, 80 responses were received, including from members of the public, employer representatives, trade unions and academic institutions.The responses received from the process have assisted my Department in considering the proposals, both legislative and administrative, which may be included in the action plan. The responses to the public consultation will be published in due course on my Department's website.

Alongside this, work on developing the action plan in conjunction with the social partners is ongoing. The Programme for Government contains the commitment to finalise the action plan by the end of 2025, in line with the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages.

As outlined in the Directive, the action plan will establish a clear timeline and concrete measures to progressively increase the rate of collective bargaining coverage. The process will have full respect for the autonomy of the social partners and ensure ongoing engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

A technical working group, consisting of social partners and Department officials was set up 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.

While it is too early to comment on its content, 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.