Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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358. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the conflict of interest disclosures that adjudicators of the Workplace Relations Commission are required to make prior to taking up their position; if adjudicators may engage in discussions with legal representatives prior to a hearing; and if such communications must be declared. [56872/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, and advisory services.

Adjudication Officers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest prior to taking up their position with the WRC. This is in line with public service standards and the constitutional requirement for impartiality in the administration of justice, as affirmed in the Zalewski v WRC Supreme Court decision.

Adjudication Officers are also required to complete annually an Ethics in Public Office Acts declaration. Such disclosures help ensure that Adjudicators do not preside over cases where their impartiality could reasonably be questioned. An Adjudication Officer may engage in discussions with legal representatives prior to a hearing. This may relate to how a hearing will run and any witnesses or evidence proposed by either party with a view to ensuring efficient and effective use of hearing time. Any material communication with a party or their representative outside the hearing process must be declared.

The WRC routinely copies correspondence or submissions received from one party to the other party to ensure that all parties are aware of material submitted.