The resolution of statutory employment claims: Ireland employment law

Essential points

• An employee who believes that their employer has infringed their rights may bring an individual complaint in the first instance to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
• Their case will be heard by an adjudication officer of the WRC who will make a decision in respect of the complaint and who may, if appropriate order redress for the employee.  
• Either (or both) parties may appeal the decision to the Labour Court, which will in that event fully re-hear the case and make a fresh decision. 
• Decisions of the Labour Court can be further appealed, but only on a point of law, to the High Court.
• A separate inspection and compliance function is fulfilled by inspectors of the WRC. These inspectors do not order redress for individual employees. They have a number of methods by which they can compel employers to comply with employment laws.