Workplace relations legislation
Martin asks about promised workplace relations legislation and employment protections following the Irish Life takeover; the Taoiseach says the Bill is due this session and expects no compulsory redundancies.
I refer to the workplace relations Bill.
Comment on this
That may be so but I assure the Ceann Comhairle the Bill is in the legislative programme.
Comment on this
Security of tenure is central to workplace relations and the bottom line is the legislation was promised previously in the context of the sale of Quinn Insurance to the Liberty Mutual Group, following which 250 people were laid off within a year. It remains a serious issue.
Comment on this
In respect of the comments made by the Chief Justice, which I have noted, it is the intention of the Government to introduce a court of civil appeal. That will require a referendum. Work is under way on preparing for that referendum and I expect it will be held in the autumn on the same day as the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad.
The workplace relations Bill is due this session. I am sure the Deputy will welcome the sale of Irish Life and the position is no compulsory redundancies are expected.