EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005

Tuesday, 31 May 2005

Ceisteanna (42)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

51 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm that the Government has now missed the required legislation to give effect to EU Directive 2002/14/EC regarding information and consultation with employees by the required date of 23 March 2005; if he has had communications from the European Commission on this matter; when the required legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18026/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The objective of Directive 2002/14/EC is to establish a general framework setting out minimum requirements for the right to information and consultation of employees in undertakings or establishments over a certain employee threshold within the Community. I intend to seek Government approval for the text of the employees (provision of information and consultation) Bill 2005 shortly with a view to early publication and introduction in the Oireachtas. The directive was due to be transposed into Irish law by 23 March 2005. I have had no communication from the European Commission in this matter.