Labour Court Annual Report for 2000 PublishedEmployers and Employees must work within establishedprocedures and institutions - Kitt.Expanded role for Court on way – Labour Affairs Minister

Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister for Labour Affairs today (Monday 28th May) welcomed the publication of the Annual Report of the Labour Court for 2000. The Court also launched its new website and a "Guide to the Labour Court."

Speaking at the launch Minister Kitt said: "The Labour Court has made a significant contribution to Irish industrial relations through the years and the high regard in which it is held by both workers and employees is due in no uncertain terms to the dedicated service given by the Court and the expertise of those who work there."

The Minister added: "The Labour Court has a crucial role as the court of last resort for the settlement of industrial disputes when all other avenues for dispute resolution have been explored. We have in place procedures and institutions in Ireland to support dispute resolution and it is incumbent on employers and employees to work within those procedures and institutions. There is a moral obligation on all parties to disputes to abide by proper procedures and act responsibly in their utilisation of the services and assistance of the Labour Court."

Minister Kitt continued: "The Industrial Relations Bill 2000, which has just completed its passage through the Oireachtas marks an important step in the ongoing development of our industrial relations system and will further expand the role of the Labour Court. The Bill will give the Labour Court new dispute settling powers in circumstances where parties have not engaged in talks. It will deal with problems which arise in disputes where no negotiation arrangements are in place and where collective bargaining fails to take place."

In conclusion, the Minister noted that the Annual Report provides a comprehensive and very useful overview of the activities of the Labour Court during last year - another busy year on the industrial relations front – and he commended the Chairman, Members and staff of the Court for their excellent work during the year.