Following extensive consideration by Government in late 2016 and a commitment to examine issues around providing access by the representative associations of An Garda Síochána to the services of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, the Minister for Justice set up an interdepartmental group. This group was chaired by John Murphy to consider various issues, including that of legislation, arising in this context. This led to the publication in July 2017 of the First Report of that group which was considered by Government in September 2017.
In addition to approving the First Report concluded the first phase of the group’s work, Government also approved the heads of a Bill entitled the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2018 and the Bill is listed on the Government’s priority legislative programme for publication in spring/summer 2018.
The Bill which is currently being drafted in consultation with the office of Parliamentary Counsel with a view to publication in Q1 2018. The Bill is intended to amend the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to allow access to the services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court by the Garda representative associations.
This legislation is being brought forward and led by my Department given that responsibility for industrial relations policy and legislation resides in my Department. In advance of the legislation being commenced, the Department of Justice and Equality will need to ensure that the internal industrial relations structures within an Garda Síochána are in place and are robust.
Responsibility for proposed changes to the industrial relations structures within An Garda Síochána are strictly matters of policy responsibility for the Minister for Justice and Equality. The work of the interdepartmental group set up by the Minister for Justice and Equality is considerable and is currently undergoing phase II work. This involves consideration of internal garda regulations as well as reviewing the existing internal dispute resolution mechanisms in place and putting in place the structural changes necessary before this Bill can be commenced.
Any decision to seek access to the services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court by the Defence Forces would be a matter for the Minister for Defence.
