Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
106. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the Joint Labour Committee is working effectively; if he has any designs on increasing its powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/23]
View answerIt is not clear as to which Joint Labour Committee (JLC) the Deputy is referring to. There are currently 9 JLC’s in existence, three of which are active.
It is my understanding that the English Language Schools JLC are currently seeking to formulate a proposal for an Employment Regulation Order to be submitted for my consideration.
JLC’s are independent in their functions and the Minister’s only role in the process is to give statutory effect to the proposal if the Labour Court adopt the proposals and submits to the Minister for consideration.
The EU Directive on Minimum Wages and Collective Bargaining was adopted by the European Council on 4th October. This Directive mandates Member States to create a supportive environment for collective bargaining.
In October 2022 the High-Level Group on Collective Bargaining submitted its final Report to the then Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.
The recommendations of the High-Level Group are currently being assessed and will be considered in parallel to the development of the action plan under the EU Directive.
