asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the operation of the Employment Appeals Tribunal with special reference to the total number of appeals heard and sitting days in 1978 as compared to 1977, and if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the tribunal.
Written Answers. - Employment Appeals Tribunal.
483.
In 1977 the Employment Appeals Tribunal sat on 233 days, of which two sittings were held on 34 days, and heard 1,575 appeals. In 1978 the tribunal sat on 233 days, of which two sittings were held on 48 days and three sittings on 4 days, and heard 980 appeals. In both years there was an average waiting period of 14 weeks for hearings.
I was concerned about these delays in hearings by the tribunal and I sought, and got, authority from the Oireachtas in the Redundancy Payments Act, 1979 for an expansion in the membership.
The Act provides for the appointment of five vice-chairmen instead of three and of 30 ordinary members instead of 24. I have initiated arrangements to appoint the additional two vice-chairmen and six ordinary members in the near future.