In March 2022, the Tánaiste tasked a High-Level Working Group under the auspices of the LEEF to review collective bargaining and the industrial relations landscape. The Group's final report was published in October and is available on the DETE website.
The Report is timely as Ireland also needs to keep abreast of developments at EU level which require us to promote the capacity of social partners to engage in an effective collective bargaining system. The EU Directive on Minimum Wages and Collective Bargaining was adopted by the European Council on 4th October, and I welcome the Directive’s focus on strengthening collective bargaining structures in Member States.
The Tánaiste has asked DETE officials to carefully consider the Report, consult with stakeholders and develop proposals for Government in respect of its implementation. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this work has already begun.