Michael Healy-Rae
Question:574. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38543/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (574)
Written answers
Both the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) are independent statutory offices under the aegis of my Department.
A date for an Adjudication Hearing was set at 26 July this year and I understand that an appeal has been referred to the Labour Court.
While it is inappropriate to address any specific complaint, it appears that there is a misunderstanding of the provisions of the Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015.
It is inappropriate for me as Minister to provide advice in relation to the matters raised and a reply has already issued to the individual concerned, clarifying the use of mediation in such circumstances.
Mediation is a voluntary process where the parties agree to meet in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable and sustainable outcome that works for all concerned in the dispute. As mediation is a voluntary process, it cannot proceed unless both parties consent to it and where such consent is given the WRC will facilitate the mediation without prejudice to either party.