Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Written Answers. - Labour Court Recommendation.

Derek McDowell

Question:

46 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation No. LCR16709 of 29 January 2001, in a case (details supplied) which expressed concern that a small category of employees of the State, especially those working in Irish embassies abroad, have no mechanism for pursing grievances as they are excluded from the terms of the Civil Service conciliation and arbitration scheme, but are not regarded as workers within the meaning of section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990; the action he will take in regard to the Labour Court's recommendation to put in place a mechanism to allow such workers to pursue grievances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4681/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am fully aware of the Labour Court recommendation in this case. My Department is anxious to give effect to the court's recommendation and in this context we are actively examining, in consultation with our colleagues in the Department of Finance, the methods by which an appropriate mechanism can be put in place to enable employees in this category to pursue grievances related to their employment.