Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2013
35. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he will implement the commitment in the programme for Government to legislate for collective bargaining through a trade union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43832/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform the current law on employees' right to engage in collective bargaining (the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001), so as to ensure compliance by the State with recent judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
With this in mind, in late 2013, I wrote to relevant stakeholders inviting their observations on the matter. Submissions have been received and follow up meetings have taken place between Departmental officials and stakeholders.
I hope to be in a position to put proposals to Cabinet by November this year. In this context, I am certain that satisfactory arrangements can be put in place that will reconcile Ireland’s constitutional, social and economic traditions, and international obligations, whilst at the same time ensuring continued success in building Ireland’s domestic jobs-base and in attracting overseas investment into the economy.
