National Wage Agreements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2011

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Ceisteanna (24, 25)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

71 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the status of the review of the framework of registered employment agreements and employment regulation orders as outlined in the national recovery plan; the person who is conducting this review; if there is a consultation process as part of this review; if any impact analysis is being carried out to complement this review; the consultation and dialogue that have been undertaken between him and the European Commission services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2643/11]

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

97 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the process for the proposed review of the framework registered employment agreements and employment regulation orders arrangements, as promised in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2524/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise; Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 97 together.

The National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 commits to a range of structural reforms to the labour market aimed at removing barriers to employment creation and disincentives to work; and at re-orientating activation measures. In this context, the Government committed to review the framework of Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage-setting mechanism within a short timeframe.

The review is likely to take into account the views of the parties to REAs and EROs, as well as the variety of means through which these arrangements can evolve as a more streamlined, transparent and flexible means of wage-setting. It is expected that terms of reference for the review, including details of who will undertake it and the timescale in which it will be completed, will be agreed shortly, following consultation with the European Commission. It is expected that the review will commence in the coming weeks.