I am aware of the ongoing industrial relations issues at the company referred to by the deputy.
At the outset, I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences. These bodies are independent in the delivery of their quasi-judicial functions, in which I as Minister have no role. This voluntary approach to industrial relations has served Ireland well over the years and in a large number of high profile disputes.
As I understand it, the industrial relations institutions of the State have been closely involved with the company in question on the matters in dispute and, most recently, the Labour Court issued two recommendations in this instance.
The Court recommended that the parties should engage to review the functioning of their relationship in a forward looking frame. The Court, in support of this recommendation, was prepared to nominate an individual of national standing and of long experience to facilitate a constructive dialogue at senior level between the Employer and the Trade Unions .
In line with the voluntary nature of industrial relations in Ireland, recommendations of the Labour Court made under industrial relations legislation are not binding on the parties although it is expected that the parties involved give serious consideration to the Court’s Recommendation.
The dispute handling mechanisms of the State are of course willing, where possible, to assist the parties in coming to a resolution with a view to ensuring a positive outcome for the employees, the company and the customers of the company.
I would urge both sides to engage constructively with each other as the Labour Court recommended and to remain engaged with the State's industrial relations machinery in order to resolve the issues in dispute.
