My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the Local Government Management Agency, the City and County Managers Association and Enterprise Ireland recently concluded an independently-chaired Facilitation Process with IMPACT on a number of issues of concern to staff of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) in the context of the dissolution of the CEBs and the establishment of the Local Enterprise Offices.
Following that process, my Department received a letter from the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) informing us that IMPACT had sought a conciliation conference to discuss certain matters further. My Department sought clarification on the matters which IMPACT wished to discuss, but prior to any practical arrangements being put in place for the conciliation conference IMPACT referred the matter to the Labour Court. My Department remains available and willing, along with the other relevant Parties, to meet with IMPACT officials to discuss their concerns and to explore how these concerns can be alleviated.