Industrial Disputes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024

Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Ceisteanna (254)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

254. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Ireland will make a contribution to the International Court of Justice proceedings, convened at the request of the ILO, to urgently render an advisory opinion on whether the right to strike of workers and their organisations is protected under ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association, to which the International Court of Justice has invited state parties to the Convention, such as Ireland, to submit written contributions on the question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6280/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Neale Richmond)

On 13 November 2023, the Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), on foot of a decision of the 349th Governing Body, sent a request for an advisory opinion to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the Right to Strike under ILO Convention No. 87 Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948.

On 14 December 2023, the ILO Office sent a dossier of papers, comprising an introduction and 342 documents to provide the Court with a comprehensive background on the matter.

Governments that have ratified ILO Convention No. 87 have been invited to make a submission, if desired, by 16 May 2024.

Any submissions to the ICJ should supplement rather than repeat the information already submitted by the ILO Office.

My Department is considering the ILO submission and at this time does not intend to make a national submission.