Registered Employment Agreements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (521)

Michael McGrath

Question:

521. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will update his response to Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 25 June 2013 regarding the recent Supreme Court decision upholding a constitutional challenge to the system of Registered Employment Agreements; if he will outline the formal response of Government to the decision and the steps the Government now intends to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38121/13]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

In May 2013, the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional the framework for Registered Employment Agreements as provided for in the 1946 Industrial Relations Act. This is clearly an important issue for many employers and their employees, particularly in relation to rates of pay and tendering for contracts. Having considered the legal advice from the Attorney General on the implications of the Supreme Court ruling, I intend to bring forward legislation to address the ruling as soon as possible. Such legislation will be fully informed by the Court’s judgment and will provide for a revised framework to deal with those matters.