Functions and Independence of Labour Court must be protected

11 September 2025

Functions and Independence of Labour Court must be protected - The Labour Party

Labour Enterprise spokesperson George Lawlor TD has called on Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to clarify the delay in reappointing a serving member of the Labour Court, and for assurances to be provided by government that they respect the functions and independence of the Labour Court.

Deputy Lawlor said:

“I am concerned at the publicised delay in providing a warrant of reappointment for a serving Deputy Chair of the Labour Court. This has the potential to seriously delay and disrupt the work of the Court, leading to the cancellation and postponement of cases.

“Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers should clarify why his Department is reported as dragging it’s feet on this matter. It is essential that the independence and functions of the Court are protected. The risk of significant delays is unacceptable. The training in of a new deputy chair could take up to six months, while the serving member is the only Court chair available to hold hearings in Irish.

“The date of 15th September – next Monday has been indicated as the deadline for reappointment, and it is incumbent on the government not to create further disruption to the work of the court. The Department of Public Expenditure is referring queries to the Department of Enterprise, but media reports make clear that the delay is coming from the department of Minister Chambers.”

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