John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on efforts by his Department to encourage greater collective bargaining coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62174/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This Government fully supports Ireland's voluntarist model of collective bargaining, which has served us well in terms of minimising industrial unrest and maximising stability. I, along with my colleague Minister Peter Burke published a new Action Plan to promote collective bargaining on 5 November 2025. This Action Plan delivers on a key Programme for Government commitment and aligns with Article 4 of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages.

The Deputy may be aware that, following the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union on 11 November 2025, Article 4 of the Directive remains intact, while part of Article 5 has been annulled.

The Action Plan was developed through close collaboration with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Ibec, reflecting a strong partnership approach. It represents a comprehensive strategy to reinforce Ireland’s long-standing tradition of voluntary industrial relations.

The plan introduces practical and targeted measures to empower, promote, and safeguard collective bargaining, contributing to fairer, more productive, and resilient workplaces across the country.

Structured around five strategic pillars, the action plan sets out 22 specific actions. These actions will commence between 2026 and 2029, with some actions that will be ongoing. The action plan and the timeframe for the actions are available to view on the Department of Enterprise's website.

The plan will be implemented in partnership with social partners and overseen by the Technical Subgroup of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). A mid-term review in 2028 will ensure the plan remains responsive to evolving labour market conditions.