Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
32. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current average waiting time for a WRC adjudication hearing to be heard from the time the complaint(s) are submitted; whether the delay in the hearing of a particular case (details supplied) can be accounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
In the case of adjudication hearings scheduled from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, the average waiting time was 317 calendar days, equating to approximately 10.5 months. However, the vast majority of complaints received a hearing within 7.7 months from date of receipt.
The particular case identified was offered a first hearing within 10 months of receipt and this was postponed due to the Respondent Representative’s unavailability. The postponement was granted with the consent of the Complaint Representative.
