asked the Minister for Labour the number of appeals referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in 1987; the number of cases in each category; and if he has satisfied himself with the workings of the tribunal.
Written Answers. - Employment Appeals Tribunal.
28.
The number of appeals referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in 1987 was 8,604. These are divided as follows:
|
Redundancy Payments Acts |
1,046 |
|
Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act |
6,560 |
|
Unfair Dismissals Act |
904 |
|
Maternity Protection Employment Act |
7 |
|
Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act |
20 |
|
Appeals against the Recommendations of Rights Commissioners |
67 |
|
Total |
8,604 |
In general, my view is that the tribunal has worked extremely well. However, I would add that, in the context of the substantial increase in its workload in recent years, a number of issues have been raised in regard to the composition and operation of the Tribunal.
These issues have been dealt with in the recently published discussion document on the review of the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977. I would refer the Deputy to paragraph 32 in page 20 of that document.
I am awaiting the views of the interested parties, particularly the FUE and ICTU, on the various options for change in this and other areas. When I have concluded my examination of these views, I will consider what new measures, if any, I should take.