I have seen the news release recently issued by IBEC in this regard. The new Employment Appeals Tribunal took up office for a three-year period with effect from 30 January, 1995. Throughout last year, indepth discussions took place with interested parties with a view to exploring ways in which the effectiveness of the tribunal could be improved. A submission received from IBEC representatives fully considered and three consultation meetings with IBEC representatives were held.
The appointment and terms of reference of the new tribunal were specifically designed to address concerns which had been made by the various bodies consulted, including IBEC. In particular, steps have been taken to improve the consistency of the decisionmaking process and to eliminate all unnecessary legalisms in tribunal hear-ings, points which have been specifically raised by IBEC.
The initiatives taken or to be introduced include:
A new chairperson to head up the tribunal has been selected from among the available experienced vice-chairpersons.
The number of vice-chairpersons has been reduced from 21 to 13. IBEC had suggested that a smaller number of full-time vice-chairpersons would help achieve improved consistency and predictability in decisionmaking. The reduction in the number of part-time vice-chairpersons is intended to achieve the same end but in a more cost-effective way.
A liaison committee, representative of the Department and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, is in the process of being set up. This will provide regular opportunities for representatives of ICTU, IBEC and the other nominating bodies to meet and discuss the operation and development of the tribunal.