Minister Martin Appoints Director Of The New National Employment Rights Authority

Micheál Martin, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has announced that Mr Ger Deering, currently the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, has been selected, by means of a public competition to be the Director of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). Ger Deering will take up his post from 12 February.

The establishment of a National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) was one of the measures agreed by the parties to ‘Towards 2016, the Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement’.

While recognising the broad level of compliance with employment rights across the economy generally, ‘Towards 2016’ included a commitment between the parties to securing enhanced compliance with employment rights, underpinned by adequate enforcement.

The Minister said: "In the course of my meeting with Ger Deering, I confirmed that the Government will make available to him all staffing and other resource commitments required to deliver the employment rights compliance regime envisaged in the recent ‘Towards 2016’ social partnership agreement.

“I want the NERA to be immediately operational and that it marshal its resources so as to meet its agreed capabilities within the timeframe envisaged in ‘Towards 2016.’"

To further assist this process Minister Martin said "it is my intention to establish the NERA and its Advisory Board on an interim basis pending the introduction of legislation on employment rights compliance."

Mr Deering has indicated that he is looking forward to leading and directing the important work of the National Employment Rights Authority, generating awareness of employment rights through education and enforcement where required.

He stated “communication is the key” and he says “we will be working in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure the highest possible level of compliance is achieved for the benefit of everyone”.

(CD)