Vol. 538 No. 1
71 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to implement the proposed EU directive which would require companies with more than 50 workers to consult employees before major decisions are made; if her attention has been drawn to criticism by the ICTU that the directive will provide an elective right rather than a compulsory right to information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17213/01]
The directive to which the Deputy is referring is the draft directive establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees. This directive was the subject of political agreement at the Employment and Social Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 11 June. It is anticipated that the directive will be formally adopted under the forthcoming Belgian Presidency.
As with all EU directives, member states will be given a set period of time within which to transpose the directive into national law. The current proposed transposition period for this directive is three years. Following adoption of the directive, my Department will take the necessary steps to ensure that the transposition date is met.
I am aware of the statement by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions referred to by the Deputy. The change to an elective right to information and consultation under the proposed directive was widely accepted by member states, as this was the approach taken in the European works council directive which provides for information and consultation in transnational companies with over 1,000 employees.
