Capital Expenditure Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Ceisteanna (98)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

98. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reasons for the delay in cases accessing arbitration; the number of cases waiting for arbitration; the average waiting time; what steps are his Department taking to ensure that these cases are expedited; what steps are his Department taking to ensure that future cases will not have to wait so long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11798/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to cases dealt with under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. Firstly, in this regard, it should be noted there are no delays in accessing third-party hearings of cases under the scheme. At present, there are three cases awaiting arbitration hearings.

While the circumstances of each of the cases are different, the overall position is that the submission of a counter-statement by one of the parties is required before they can proceed to hearing. My Department makes every effort to ensure that the procedure for the resolution of disputes under the Scheme is followed in an efficient and timely manner as possible.