Employment in the Irish Republic 2006

Main employment developments

• June 2006: Agreement of ‘Towards 2016’, a ten-year framework social partnership pact of which a 27-month national agreement on pay increases forms a core part. The agreement is due to be ratified by the parties in autumn 2006.
• New legislation includes The Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2005, and The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
• The Employment Permits Bill, 2005 is due for enactment in 2006; it simplifies the process of granting employment permits, and introduces a fast-track green card permit for highly skilled workers.
• Maternity leave will, as from March 2007, increase to 26 weeks’ basic leave with an optional 16 weeks unpaid leave.
• Issues pending include a forthcoming Green Paper on future pensions strategy; a review of provisions on the transfer of pension rights in the context of business transfers; and the establishment of new machinery to strengthen employment rights compliance and enforcement.

Contents of Employment in the Irish Republic 2006