Many Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearings will now be heard in public, after the Supreme Court ruled that this should happen in cases where the commission is involved in the “administration of justice.”

The ruling, which rejected a wider claim that the way the WRC operates is generally unconstitutional, also means that WRC adjudicators’ published decisions must include the names of the parties in such cases.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has warned that the changes could have serious implications for workers. It says it will seek to ensure that amendments to relevant legislation will reflect the need to protect workers.

Up until now WRC adjudication hearings were heard in private.

In a statement, the WRC said: “In the ordinary course, members of the public, including members of the media, will be permitted to attend hearings under the various employment and equality rights statutes, subject to technical arrangements being put in place.”

It added that complainants can choose not to proceed with a complaint, or the parties can settle or seek to have the complaint mediated – rather than adjudicated – without a need for a public hearing.

All WRC hearings are currently being held remotely due to Covid restrictions. But journalists and members of the public can now request a link to adjudication hearings.

The Supreme Court ruling also required legislative changes to introduce the swearing of oaths in WRC cases that involved the administration of justice, and where there is “a serious and direct conflict of evidence between the parties.” As an interim measure, the WRC has said it will suspend cases where this arises prior to the necessary amendment of the Workplace Relations Act 2015.

The new procedures will also introduce penalties for giving false evidence in the relevant WRC adjudications. Read the WRC statement HERE.