I have recently published a detailed document, Blueprint to Deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations Service, that sets out in detail the structures and processes that I intend to legislate for and establish by the end of this year. Publication of this document provides a further opportunity for consultation. I will shortly seek a Government decision for the priority drafting of the Workplace Relations (Law Reform) Bill 2012 for enactment by autumn 2012. I will also be bringing the heads of the Bill to the joint committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education prior to going to government for approval to draft.
The Bill will provide for the establishment of a statutory Workplace Relations Commission with a full range of functions formerly carried out by NERA, the Equality Tribunal, the LRC and the EAT (first instance functions). It will also provide for the Labour Court to be the appellate body to determine appeals against decisions of Workplace Relations Commission Adjudicators.