Kitt Welcomes Political Agreement on EU’s Draft Directive on Information and Consultation

Mr. Tom Kitt T.D., Minister for Labour Affairs has today (Friday 15th June, 2001) welcomed the political agreement reached on the EU’s Draft Directive on Information and Consultation at the Employment and Social Affairs Council in Luxembourg this week.

Minister Kitt praised the excellent work of the Swedish Presidency in producing a compromise text, which secured widespread approval among the Member States. "This text addressed the main concerns, which Ireland had in relation to earlier drafts, particularly with regard to the flexibility for Member States to take account of their national practices," said Minister Kitt

The Minister continued "This Directive establishes a general framework for improving information and Consultation rights of employees. The principle of Information and Consultation is well established in Ireland and for the vast majority of employments consultation is simply a matter of good practice."

Our successful model of social partnership has recognised the importance of employee involvement. Information and Consultation is among the partnership topics identified for development, by IBEC and ICTU under Framework 1 of the PPF.

The Minister said he looks forward to early adoption of the Directive which is anticipated before the end of this year.

"The practical arrangements by which employees will benefit under this Directive will be developed by my Department in consultation with ICTU and IBEC," the Minister added.