The Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 was enacted on 22nd July 2021, and will be commenced by ministerial order. It has the effect of remedying the defects in procedures at the WRC that had been noted by the decision of the Supreme Court in the Zalewski case.
The WRC has been given new powers, with adjudication officers now being empowered to administer oaths or affirmations of witnesses. Criminal sanctions with imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines of up to 100,000euro are possible on indictment for giving dishonest evidence under oath before the WRC.
The proceedings will be conducted in public, and WRC decisions will continue be published. The published decisions will include the names of the parties. In special circumstances, parties may request anonymity and in camera hearings, but no specific guidelines are provided as to what circumstances might justify a deviation from justice being administered in public.
The above is provided for information purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you have any questions in relation to employment law proceedings, we, at Fitzsimons Redmond, would be happy to advise you on your next steps. Please contact us on 01-676 3257.
By Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty
Solicitor at Fitzsimons Redmond
