23rd September 2026
Minister pays tribute to eight decades of exceptional public service and contribution to Ireland’s working life
Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail today congratulated Chairperson Louise O’Donnell, the members and staff of the Labour Court, past and present, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Court’s inauguration on 23 September 1946.
For eight decades, the Labour Court has provided an exceptional public service and made a profound contribution to working life in Ireland.
Throughout its history, the Court has played a vital role in resolving workplace disputes and supporting stable industrial relations. As the industrial relations “court of last resort”, it has repeatedly provided a final avenue for resolution where disputes could not otherwise be settled, helping to keep workplaces functioning and the wheels of Irish industry turning.
In doing so, the Court has served employers and employees alike, while also making an important contribution to the wider environment for investment, enterprise and employment in the State.
Minister Dillon said:
“Today marks an important milestone for the Labour Court as it celebrates 80 years of public service.
“For eight decades, the Court has made an exceptional contribution to working life in Ireland. Time and again, it has provided an important avenue for the resolution of workplace disputes, helping employers and employees to find a way forward and supporting stable industrial relations.
“The Labour Court has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to a changing world of work. From its role in successive forms of national pay bargaining to its important appellate functions in employment rights matters, including employment equality and equal pay, the Court has continued to evolve in response to the needs of Irish workers and employers.
“Today, as the sole appellate body in employment rights matters, the Court occupies a unique and important position within Ireland’s workplace relations system.
“This anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise all those who have served on the Court over the past 80 years. Its reputation and its success are built on the experience, expertise and dedication of the people who have served as members, together with the commitment of its staff.
“I want to congratulate Chairperson Louise O’Donnell, the current members and staff of the Court, and all those who have contributed to its work over the past eight decades.
“The 80th anniversary of the Labour Court is a celebration of an extraordinary record of public service and of an institution that has stood the test of time. I wish the Court every success for the future and look forward to many more years of its valuable contribution to working life in Ireland.”
ENDS
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