Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 9

Written Answers. - Workers' Access to Information.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

24 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of the difficulties which arose recently in Waterford Glass, he intends to introduce any measures to give workers a greater right to information regarding the financial position of their employers, especially where redundancies or reduction in earnings are sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

46 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Labour if he has any plans to improve the rights of workers to access to information in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 46 together.

Under the Protection of Employment Act, 1977, an employer is obliged to notify me of proposed redundancies and to defer implementation until 30 days have elapsed. The Act ensures that employees' representatives receive prior notification and are consulted by the employer before the redundancies take place. The Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Acts, 1977 and 1988 provide for board and sub-board level representation in a range of State companies.

The sub-board arrangements must include the giving in good time by management to employees of information, including financial information, about decisions which are liable to have a significant effect on employees' interests. I have no plans at present to extend the provisions of the Acts.

A number of proposals which include worker participation provisions are under discussion at EC level. These are the European Company Statute and the 5th Council Directive on Company Law. In addition, arising from the EC Social Charter a draft instrument on information, consultation and participation of workers will be introduced by the Commission later this year. These proposals, when passed into Community law, will apply to Ireland.