Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
303. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a social partnership proposal by an organisation (details supplied); and her further views on the joint proposal by employee and employer representatives for a scheme for preservation of viable employment in the context of a disorderly Brexit. [41628/19]
View answerSocial Partnership, in various forms, has been a central facet of Irish society for over three decades. Since 2016, the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) has brought together representatives of employers, trade unions and Government to discuss economic, employment and labour market issues.
The Forum, which is chaired by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, meets approximately 4 times a year. The Forum provides a consultative informal structure for an exchange of views and dialogue on economic and social policies insofar as they affect employment and the workplace.
The Government is making €1.2 billion available in Budget 2020 to be spent in the event of a No Deal Brexit. The funding will be used to protect Ireland from the worst effects of a No Deal, so we can help the people and businesses most affected, if they need it. A key priority for Government is to ensure that we can sustain as many viable businesses and the maximum number of jobs during the potential disruption of a disorderly Brexit.
I am satisfied that my Department, with its enterprise agencies, has a full suite of business supports in place to assist businesses through Brexit. I have met with ICTU and Ibec and with Minister Doherty, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, on the issue of sustaining employment in vulnerable but viable businesses and I understand that Minister Doherty will have further meetings on this with stakeholders over the coming days.
Consideration of any proposals to change the nature of social partnership is beyond the remit of my Department.
