Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017
312. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on possible IT issues associated with the Workplace Relations Commission's online complaints system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2505/17]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015 and assumed the roles and functions previously carried out by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), Rights Commissioner Service (RCS), Equality Tribunal (ET), the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and the first instance (Complaints and Referrals) functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).
As part of the reform process, a single contact portal utilising an online complaint form was introduced to simplify the complaint process. I am informed by the WRC that 84% of complaints received between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2016 were made by way of the online e-Complaint facility.
The WRC's online complaints system is fundamental to the reform process and the efficient delivery of services. The Deputy will be aware that under the previous system complainants could face a two-to-three year delay in obtaining a decision. At present, decisions are issued on average within 6 months of their receipt by the WRC. Under the WRCs Strategic Plan, the intention is to shorten this time-frame even further.
The WRC has addressed many of the teething problems associated with the IT system during its first year of existence and has met with key stakeholders to listen to their concerns in this regard. Any remaining issues are continuing to be worked through.
I understand that the WRC has undertaken to meet again with its stakeholders to understand further any issues arising in relation to the IT system and/or its broader service delivery remit.
