Vol. 415 No. 7
249 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider amending legislation which would permit awards in unfair dismissal cases to be enforced by some mechanism within his Department rather than requiring workers themselves to pursue civil actions in the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An amendment of the existing legislation as proposed by the Deputy is not necessary. Section 10 (1) of the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977, already empowers the Minister for Labour to institute and carry on legal proceedings in the Circuit Court on behalf of an employee against an employer for the purpose of enforcing an award made under the Act by the Employment Appeals Tribunal. It is the frequent practice of the Minister for Labour to exercise this power on behalf of employees.
