Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 4

Written Answers. - Labour Court Jurisdiction.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

55 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to introduce legislation to entitle the Labour Court to investigate a matter (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Labour Court has a major concern that a large number of people have no redress in situations of dispute between themselves and their previous employers, even in circumstances where commitments made are not subsequently honoured; if her atterntion has further been drawn to the fact that the court strongly recommends that a mechanism be put in place to address such situations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32044/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

I am aware that the Labour Court was recently advised by the Attorney General that it does not have jurisdiction to hear claims by those who have retired in relation to issues which arose during their employment. The court stated in a recent recommendation that it has a major concern that a large number of people will have no redress in situations of dispute between themselves and their previous employer, even in cir cumstances where commitments made are not subsequently honoured.

It recommended that a mechanism be put in place to address such situations. My Department is currently investigating this matter and will decide on the appropriate action to take when this investigation is complete.