Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
65. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans in relation to consulting interested groups regarding the proposed legislation to grant access to the Workplace Relations Commission for retired workers that was deferred for 12 months in the last term of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43718/21]
View answer87. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to advance representative rights for retired workers especially in relation to access to the Workplace Relations Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43719/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 87 together.
In 2015, the Industrial Relations Acts were amended to allow for a retired person to have access to the IR bodies in a period of 6-months post-retirement for matters arising pre-retirement.
This 6-month provision allows for the settling of any practical issues affecting a former worker.
Any proposals that arise from voluntary conciliation in the WRC, must also be approved by the trustees of the pension schemes. Trustees have a legal obligation to all members within a scheme.
The Government have agreed to a timed amendment to the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021.
This will allow time, as previously outlined on the floor of the Dáil, to examine the issues carefully and to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted. This process will commence as soon as possible.
