Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2014
34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has agreed to the meeting requested by building workers and UNITE members involved in the dispute at a building project (details supplied); and if so, if she will report on that requested meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45117/14]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently met with all Unions representing construction workers involved in the delivery of my Department's school building programme including officials from UNITE. These meeting have allowed me to provide valuable policy updates to the Union representatives including an update on the progress of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2014 which, when enacted will put in place a new legislative framework to replace the Registered Employment Agreement system. I have also recently met with the Minister for Business and Employment, Gerald Nash, to discuss the progress on this new legislation.
In relation to the on-going dispute at the site referred to by the Deputy I understand that both parties have been invited to attend a hearing in the Labour Court on the 16th December, which I welcome. I would urge both the contractor and UNITE to now engage meaningfully with the Labour Court with a view to reaching a resolution.
