Minister Martin welcomes new Social Partnership agreement

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin, TD, today welcomed the agreement reached between the Social Partners on a new 10 year social partnership framework. Minister Martin congratulated the Social Partners on their success in reaching this important and wide-ranging agreement which is a testimony to the strength and durability of social partnership in tackling and finding solutions for shared problems.

The agreement represents, he said 'a shared vision and agreed framework for Ireland's continuing success in meeting its ambitious economic and social objectives'. 'The Government for its part will live up to the commitments being entered into which will enable Ireland to become a dynamic, internationalised participatory society and economy with a strong commitment to social justice where economic development is sustainable and internationally competitive'

The Minister said that the new employment rights compliance package provided for in the agreement, which includes new legislation as well as the establishment of a new Office for Employment Rights Compliance, will guarantee the necessary strong protection for employment standards, while also ensuring that Ireland continues to provide an excellent environment for business and job creation.

The Minister said that the agreement provides for a range of workplace initiatives, including:

• the development of a National Skills Strategy and enhanced programmes to upskill those in employment including especially the low-skilled, older workers and those in vulnerable employments
• new employment permit measures to ensure the protection of those who come to work here
• the exploration of new approaches to support more people into employment as a way out of social exclusion, including early school leavers, the long term unemployed, people with disabilities and lone parents.

The Minister added: "I particularly welcome the proposed establishment of a High Level Working Manufacturing Group, in acknowledgement of the critical role played by manufacturing in the development of the Irish economy. This Group will review the challenges facing the sector and identify further measures to meet those challenges."

ENDS

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