Statement by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, TD re Industrial Relations

Speaking in Geneva today (Tuesday), where he is chairing an informal meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs taking place alongside the 102nd International Labour Conference, jointly organised by the ILO and the Irish Presidency of the European Union, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, said:

“It has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to promote collective bargaining through the development of an institutional framework supportive of a voluntary system of industrial relations. In the context of the Programme for Government commitment, I have written to all social dialogue actors in terms of reviewing collective bargaining against the backdrop of industrial relations legislation. Submissions have been received and discussions have been taking place between stakeholders’ representatives and Departmental officials.

“I expect to be in a position to conclude this consultation shortly and to report to Government in the Autumn on the outcome of that process and what proposals to improve the voluntarist system of industrial relations might be brought forward in 2013. In this context, I am certain that satisfactory arrangements can be put in place that will reconcile Ireland’s constitutional, social and economic traditions, and international obligations, whilst at the same time ensuring continued success in building Ireland’s domestic jobs-base and in attracting overseas investment into the economy”.