Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
594. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the Labour Court recommendation for a company (details supplied) to award pay increases to its long-term staff which the company has not complied with; if assistance can be offered in the dispute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20078/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the ongoing industrial relations issues at the company referred to by the Deputy. I am also aware that the Labour Court issued a recommendation on the 5th April 2019 in relation to a claim before it, with the Court noting that this issue has already been before it, resulting in previous recommendations.
Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature and it has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to support the development of an institutional framework supportive of this voluntary system through which good industrial relations can prosper. In line with the voluntary nature of industrial relations in Ireland, recommendations of the Labour Court made under industrial relations legislation are not binding on the parties although it is expected that the parties involved give serious consideration to the Court’s Recommendation.
The Labour Court is an independent statutory body and discharges its functions independently of the Minister, therefore it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in any way.
I would urge the parties involved to engage constructively with each other with a view to resolving their differences. The State's industrial relations machinery remains available to assist as appropriate.
