Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 6

Written Answers. - Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

204 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the concern of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation over the appointment of the new Employment Appeals Tribunal and its disappointment that no structural changes in the operations of the new tribunal have been considered; if he will review this matter; and if he will accept a submission from IBEC on the matter. [2798/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I have seen the news release recently issued by IBEC in this regard. The new Employment Appeals Tribunal took up office for a three-year period with effect from 30 January, 1995. Throughout last year, indepth discussions took place with interested parties with a view to exploring ways in which the effectiveness of the tribunal could be improved. A submission received from IBEC representatives fully considered and three consultation meetings with IBEC representatives were held.

The appointment and terms of reference of the new tribunal were specifically designed to address concerns which had been made by the various bodies consulted, including IBEC. In particular, steps have been taken to improve the consistency of the decisionmaking process and to eliminate all unnecessary legalisms in tribunal hear-ings, points which have been specifically raised by IBEC.

The initiatives taken or to be introduced include:

A new chairperson to head up the tribunal has been selected from among the available experienced vice-chairpersons.

The number of vice-chairpersons has been reduced from 21 to 13. IBEC had suggested that a smaller number of full-time vice-chairpersons would help achieve improved consistency and predictability in decisionmaking. The reduction in the number of part-time vice-chairpersons is intended to achieve the same end but in a more cost-effective way.

A liaison committee, representative of the Department and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, is in the process of being set up. This will provide regular opportunities for representatives of ICTU, IBEC and the other nominating bodies to meet and discuss the operation and development of the tribunal.

It is intended that the recently appointed members of the tribunal will have access to increased support by way of information and training. Prior to the new appointments being made, the aims and the ethos of the tribunal were clearly explained to all the nominating bodies and to all members.

I am satisfied that the actions taken have set the tribunal on the road to providing a better and more effective service. Through the new liaison committee, developments will be closely monitored.