The document summarizes research on trade union recognition legislation in Ireland. It finds that while the number of cases referred under the new legislation is limited, unions are increasingly relying on it rather than traditional routes. The legislation appears to have had some impact on multi-national companies operating in Ireland, with around a third of cases being brought against them. However, it does not seem to have significantly deterred foreign direct investment in Ireland.

1. Trade Union Recognition in Ireland SASE 2006, Trier Patrick Gunnigle & Michelle O’Sullivan, University of Limerick

13. Phase 1: Referrals to LRC to June 2005 109 Total 10 (9%) Refferal withdrawn by union 20 (18%) Cases ongoing 24 (22%) Company did not engage with process 55 (50%) Cases completed

14. Phase 1: Cases Completed by LRC to June 2005 55 Total 5 (9%) Collective bargining negotiated 13 (24%) All issues resolved at LRC 37 (67%) Issues referred to Labour Court

15. Phase 2: Cases heard by Labour Court, 2002-2006 82 (69 companies) 99 Total 17 19 2006 34 45 2005 20 23 2004 8 9 2003 3 3 2002 No. of companies No. of cases Year

16. Phase 2: Recommendations & Determinations 19 72 Total 4 14 2006 13 29 2005 2 20 2004 0 6 2003 0 3 2002 No. of binding determinations No. of recommendations Year

17. Traditional Route: Cases under Industrial Relations Acts 1969/90 2 2006 4 2005 2 2004 11 2003 3 2002 No. of cases Year

22. Cases against Irish & MNC companies 3% Unknown 3% Outside EU & US 7.5% Other EU 7.5% UK 15% US 63.6% Ireland Percentage of Cases Country of Origin