Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022
2. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that can be taken to address cases in which recommendations by industrial relations bodies of the State are being ignored by State-funded, contracted organisations. [26626/22]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court are independent offices of my Department. Recommendations arising from the WRC and the Labour Court are not legally binding. Therefore, the State cannot compel a party to comply with a recommendation.
While I would strongly encourage parties to comply with Recommendations, the ultimate responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.
