1047. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if serious allegations concerning an organisation will be investigated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61247/26]

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s functions include promoting and securing compliance with employment law, providing information on employment rights and obligations, and delivering mediation, adjudication, conciliation, and advisory services.

The WRC is the body responsible for hearing complaints at first instance under employment rights legislation. WRC Adjudication Officers are independent in the performance of their statutory functions, as provided for under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. Decisions concerning hearing format, case management and procedural matters fall solely within the independent remit of the Adjudication Officer assigned to the case. I am advised that any party wishing to challenge or appeal those arrangements may do so through the standard mechanisms set out in the WRC’s Objections to Hearing Arrangements Guidelines.[]

Having regard to the WRC’s statutory independence, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment on individual matters or to intervene in the exercise of its functions. I would add that Decisions of WRC Adjudicators may be appealed by either party to the Labour Court within the statutory timeframe.