Minister Kelleher launches LRC Annual Report

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Billy Kelleher T.D. today (Wednesday, 30^th July, 2008) launched the Annual Report of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for 2007.

The Minister commended the Board and staff of the LRC for their work during the year. “The Commission has committed its considerable experience, skill and knowledge to once again deliver a high quality and highly respected service to its many customers”, he said.

The Minister congratulated the Commission for continuing to maintain its high rate (80% in 2007) of success in resolving industrial disputes.

Minister Kelleher remarked on the continuing increase in the number of referrals to the Rights Commissioner Service of the LRC during 2007 - up 26% - a reflection on the increased number of people at work and the increasing levels of awareness of employment rights.

“To meet this increasing demand, 5 additional Rights Commissioners were appointed during 2007 as provided for under the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, together with support staff. An additional temporary Rights Commissioner has also been appointed recently to help tackle the workload. I understand that already the impact of these additional Commissioners is being felt with a 70% increase in hearings scheduled in the first six months of 2008”, the Minister concluded.