The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent statutory office under the aegis of my Department. The WRC is mandated to secure compliance with Ireland’s employment, equality and industrial relations legislation. As part of its statutory functions, the WRC adjudicates on cases under employment rights, industrial relations and equal status legislation. If a party is dissatisfied with a decision of an adjudication officer of the WRC, then that decision may be appealed to either the Labour Court or the Circuit Court depending on the enactment.
The Labour Court hears appeals of adjudication officer’s decisions of the WRC in all disputes arising under industrial relations and employment rights enactments Such appeals must be notified to the Labour Court no later than 42 days from the date of the decision concerned.
Given the independent statutory nature of both the WRC and the Labour Court, I, as Minister, have no involvement when either body exercises its quasi- judicial functions and as such cannot comment on the individual cases referred to by the Deputy.
