Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 June 2012
43 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take to ensure that the bodies and processes to be developed under the, Blueprint to Deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations Service are fully consistent with EU anti-discrimination directives and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. [27318/12]
View answerI am committed to delivering a world-class workplace relations service. I am determined that the new structures and systems that are designed and implemented will be ones that we and future generations can be proud of. The reform I am proposing will bring about major improvements while incorporating the best practice elements of existing dispute resolution bodies. My aim is to provide a simple, independent, effective, impartial, and workable means of redress and enforcement, within a reasonable period of time. The system will operate to the highest standards and earn the confidence of employers, employees and all who will use it.
Ireland has an excellent record in relation to equality matters. Ireland was in fact one of the first countries to give effect to the European Equality Directives. The Employment Equality Act 1998 not alone transposed the Directives in place at that time but also anticipated future Directives. The reforms I am now proposing will modernise and enhance the redress mechanisms available to those who believe they have not been treated equally in the workplace on the grounds set out in the Equality Acts.
In addition to enhancing the equality redress mechanisms, I am committed to putting in place reformed Workplace Relations structures and processes that fully embody the spirit of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. To achieve this, detailed design and drafting of the legislation will be proofed against the requirements of the Charter.
