708. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the timeline envisaged to progress the Industrial Relations (Provisions in respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 through the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43011/26]

The purpose of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 would be to amend and extend certain rights and protections to retired persons and representative associations in the context of industrial relations and trade disputes. Specifically, it proposes amendments to the Trade Union Acts 1871 to 1990, the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2019, and the Pensions Act 1990. The Bill seeks to enhance the representation of retired workers in the administration of certain pension schemes and to address related matters.

My Department's position was clearly articulated in a comprehensive briefing submitted to the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment following its public scrutiny session held on 25 January 2023. In that regard, Government does not support the Private Members’ Bill in its current form. The proposed amendments are considered to fundamentally undermine the core principles of industrial relations, which are inherently based on the relationship between workers and their employers.

While the policy concerns raised by retired workers are acknowledged and understood, a detailed assessment has indicated that the Bill would give rise to significant legal, structural, operational and financial implications which Government cannot support. In particular, the proposals would have far-reaching consequences for the core architecture of the State’s industrial relations framework. In addition, the current legal structure provides adequate protection for retired workers, particularly concerning the potential reduction of benefits within funded defined benefit schemes. The measures outlined in the Bill could, moreover, severely undermine the existing dispute resolution bodies which are provided to retired workers to vindicate their rights including the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.

Recently Government has agreed that a money message not be issued in respect of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 and that Government oppose the Private Members’ Bill by way of a "reasoned response". This reasoned response has since been shared by my Department with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and to the sponsors of the Bill.