Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
544. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged in discussions to introduce an employment regulation order to ensure a minimum standard of pay and working conditions for seasonal workers in the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not engaged in discussions on the establishment of an Employment Regulation Order (ERO), but I am advised by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation that ERO's are provided for in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 and set the minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers in a specified business sector.
An ERO is drawn up by a Joint Labour Committee (JLC). A JLC is composed of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in an employment sector with an independent chairman. The Committee meets to discuss and agree proposals for terms and conditions to apply to specified grades or categories of workers in the sector concerned. If agreement is reached on terms and conditions, the JLC publishes the details and invites submissions from interested parties. To become an ERO, the proposals drawn up by the JLC must be adopted by the Labour Court and an Order giving them statutory effect must be made by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
