Developments in Irish Social Dialogue and NESC Since May 2011 Rory O’Donnell Rory.odonnell@nesc.ie www.nesc.ie
Context New government took office March 2011 EU/IMF Programme in place since December 2010 'Croke Park' Agreement between government & public sector trade unions
Context New government took office March 2011: Reversed €1 reduction in National Minimum Wage EU/IMF Programme in place since December 2010 'Croke Park' Agreement between government & public sector trade unions
Context New government took office March 2011: Reversed €1 reduction in National Minimum Wage EU/IMF Programme in place since December 2010 Includes review of sectoral Registered Employment Agreements 'Croke Park' Agreement between government & public sector trade unions
Context New government took office March 2011: Reversed €1 reduction in National Minimum Wage EU/IMF Programme in place since December 2010 Includes review of sectoral Registered Employment Agreements 'Croke Park' Agreement between government & public sector trade unions No more pay cuts in return for flexibility & cooperation
Council Developments Council re-convened June 2011: Environmental pillar added with equal membership (4)
Council Developments Council re-convened June 2011: Environmental pillar added with equal membership (4) Prime Minister attended first meeting: Affirmed role of the Council Sought assistance with the reform agenda More frequent, shorter and timely reports Need not always represent consensus view Members draw on personal experience beyond representation
Council Developments Council re-convened June 2011: Environmental pillar added with equal membership (4) Prime Minister attended first meeting: Affirmed role of the Council Sought assistance with the reform agenda More frequent, shorter and timely reports Need not always represent consensus view Members draw on personal experience beyond representation New Chair September 2011
Council Developments -continued 4. Government statements on future of 'social dialogue' No over-arching social partnership agreement likely 'Structured bi-lateral dialogue' with social partners NESC as main forum for multi-lateral dialogue PM & Deputy PM to attend NESC plenary each year Sustainable Development Council closed, agenda to NESC
Council Developments -continued 4. Government statements on future of 'social dialogue' No over-arching social partnership agreement likely 'Structured bi-lateral dialogue' with social partners NESC as main forum for multi-lateral dialogue PM & Deputy PM to attend NESC plenary each year Sustainable Development Council closed, agenda to NESC 5. Process improvements adopted & under consideration More structured Council meetings Possible Council working groups Closer relation with the agenda of PM's department Abolition of 'alternate members' Possible reduction in the size of the Council
Council & Secretariat Work Council report August 2011: Supports and Services for Unemployed Jobseekers: Challenges and Opportunities in a Time of Recession
Council & Secretariat Work Council report August 2011: Supports and Services for Unemployed Jobseekers: Challenges and Opportunities in a Time of Recession Secretariat Paper August 2011: Ireland's Economic Recovery: An Analysis and Exploration
Council & Secretariat Work Council report August 2011: Supports and Services for Unemployed Jobseekers: Challenges and Opportunities in a Time of Recession Secretariat Paper August 2011: Ireland's Economic Recovery: An Analysis and Exploration Ongoing Work: Quality and Accountability in Irish Human Services Economic Recovery and Employment Climate Change – special request from Government