Bruton in dispute resolution overhaul

Minister for Enterprise and Jobs Richard Bruton has said that new reforms to the current dispute resolution system could generate significant savings on the €20 million spent each year while providing a greatly enhanced service.

Under a reform blueprint, published today, the State's existing five workplace relations bodies will be replaced by a new two-tier structure.

The Minster said in future there would be a new Workplace Relations Commission and a separate appeals body, which would effectively be an expanded Labour Court.

Under the reform proposals the current services of the Labour Relations Commission, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal along with the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Court are to be transferred to the Workplace Relations Commission.

The appellate functions of the EAT are to be amalgamated into a reconfigured Labour Court.

Mr Bruton said all first instance complaints would be made to the Workplace Relations Commission where three options for resolving complaints would be available – early resolution, inspection and adjudication.

He said all appeals would be to the Labour Court with the only further appeal being to the High Court on a point of law.

"In line with the commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs, I am proceeding to reform our statutory workplace relations structures and processes. I am committed to delivering a world-class workplace relations service and I am taking the necessary action to deliver just that."

"My aim is to provide a simple, independent, effective, impartial, cost effective and workable means of redress and enforcement, within a reasonable period of time. The system must operate to the highest standards and earn the confidence of employers, employees and all who will use it."

"This year we will spend around €20m of taxpayers’ money on the five existing employment dispute resolution bodies."

"This is a very significant investment by Government and we must ensure that we are getting the best possible value for money. My aim is to effect significant savings in future years while at the same time providing a greatly enhanced service."