Minister Fahey welcomes publication of Labour Relations Commission Annual Report 2003

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Frank Fahey, T.D., today (Thursday September 2^nd 2004) welcomed the publication of the Annual Report of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for 2003. The Annual Report records that 24 actual industrial disputes occurred in the Irish economy in 2003, which is the lowest number since records began in 1923.

Minister Fahey commented, “the figures contained in the Annual Report reflect the stability of Ireland’s industrial relations environment and the continuing effectiveness of the Labour Relations Commission as a highly professional dispute resolution service. Ensuring a good industrial relations environment is essential to the maintenance and development of Ireland’s economic success.”

The Minister noted the success of the LRC in settling 82% of all cases referred for conciliation and in dealing with 6,430 requests for assistance from disputing parties. “While the Labour Relations Commission continues to offer an excellent conciliation and dispute resolution service, those involved in industrial relations must always aim to increase the number of disputes resolved at local level” the Minister said.

“The members and staff of the Labour Relations Commission provide an efficient and effective advisory, conciliation and dispute resolution service and I wish to pay tribute to the manner in which they so successfully meet the challenges which their work presents”, the Minister concluded.

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