Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1289. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cases dealt with by the Labour Court under the terms of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 since the commencement of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34901/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Labour Court is an independent statutory body under the aegis of my Department. While the Court was established under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, its functions have been altered and extended by subsequent legislation, including most recently, the Workplace Relations Act 2015.
In responding to the deputy’s question, I am interpreting the question as relating to cases referred to the Labour Court where the issue in dispute is whether collective bargaining is taking place in an employment and where a claim for improvement in terms and conditions of employment, including remuneration, was being sought.
The Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2015, in Part 3 amended the Industrial Relations Amendment Act, 2001 and the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 and allows cases to be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) by a Trade Union in these circumstances and ultimately to the Labour Court if unresolved.
The Court has received 7 cases under these terms since the commencement of the Act. The table below provides a breakdown of these referrals.
|
Year |
Total Received |
Status |
|
2015 |
Nil |
- |
|
2016 |
4 |
1 referral withdrawn Decisions issued in respect of 2 referrals 1 referral on hold by decision of the Court* |
|
2017 |
1 |
Decision issued |
|
2018 to date |
2 |
Decisions issued in respect of 1 referral 1 referral on hold by decision of the Court* |
* In some instances cases are placed on hold by the Court in the interest of progression or resolution of the matter in dispute.
