Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2015
22. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if it is his intention to bring in legislation to deal with zero and low hour contracts, particularly in the context of the ongoing dispute between workers and employers at Dunnes Stores; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18352/15]
View answerIn accordance with the Statement of Government Priorities, I commissioned, last February, the University of Limerick (UL) to carry out a study into the prevalence of zero hour and low hour contracts and the impact of such contracts on employees. The appointment of UL follows a competitive tendering process.
The key objectives of the study are:
- To fill the gap in knowledge that currently exists in terms of the hard data and information that is available concerning the prevalence of zero hour and low hour contracts in the Irish economy and the manner of their use.
- To assess the impact of zero hour and low hour contracts on employees.
- To enable the Minister to make any evidence-based policy recommendations to Government considered necessary on foot of the study.
The study will have a broad scope, covering both the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on the retail, hospitality, education and health sectors. The study will examine how zero and low hour contracts operate in practice and how they impact on employees. It will assess the advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of employer and employee and assess the current employment rights legislation as it applies to employees on such contracts. The study will also consider recent developments in other jurisdictions, including the UK in particular. The study may also identify how the information gap might be addressed in the future.
A wide range of stakeholders is being canvassed to contribute to the study and I expect the study to be completed in Q3. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot anticipate the outcome of the study or the Government’s consideration of the study’s findings. However, the Deputy can rest assured that where the evidence points to some adjustment being required to the protections already in place under Irish employment law, these will be brought forward for consideration by Government.
In relation to the Dunnes dispute, I continue to urge both parties to avail of the services of the State’s industrial relations machinery who remain available to assist the parties, if requested. It is my opinion that engagement with the State's industrial relations machinery offers the best way whereby the parties involved in this dispute can hope to resolve their differences. Ultimately, responsibility for the settlement of a trade dispute rests with the parties to the dispute. However, an early and fair settlement to this dispute is in the interest of all concerned. Last week the Government agreed the text of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2015 which in addition to providing a replacement for the Registered Employment Agreement system, will provide an improved framework for workers who seek to better their terms and conditions where collective bargaining is not recognised by their employer.
