Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 21 June 2022, if the Government has responded to the European Commission; and, if so, if the response will be published. [42758/22]
View answerA European Works Council (a “EWC”) is a body that facilitates information and consultation with European employees on transnational issues. EWCs are subject to the law of the Member State in which they are located. They derive from Directive 1994/45/EC (the “EWC Directive”) as transposed into Irish law by the Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act 1996. A recast by Directive 2009/38/EC was given effect by European Communities (Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act 1996) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 380 of 2011). The general provisions of the Irish Regulation follow the provisions of Directive 2009/38/EC faithfully, including providing mechanisms for dispute resolution.
The European Commission wrote to the Irish Government with a letter of formal notice on the 19 May 2022. Having consulted with the Attorney General’s Office, my Department responded to the Commission on the 19 July 2022. Ireland’s response to the Commission is considered confidential and there are no plans to publish it at this time. My officials are scheduled to meet with the Commission in September with regards the matter.
