Fórsa took part in talks this week (Wednesday) aimed at finalising the reform the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) scheme.  

Wednesday’s meeting marked a further step forward in the process, with preliminary draft text now shared with the staff panel of unions for comment and observation. The frequency of discussions is set to intensify in the coming weeks, with a view to concluding agreement on the new scheme by May. 

Following the discussions, Fórsa deputy general secretary Éamonn Donnelly welcomed the increase in pace of engagement. Agreement was reached on the core principles underpinning a new scheme last year, and now the implementation of the scheme is being finalised.  

The emerging model will provide for clearer and more efficient time limits, on statements and counterstatements, for both adjudication and arbitration hearings, aimed at reducing unnecessary delay and improving confidence in outcomes. 

Éamonn provided further details on how the new scheme will ensure fairness, saying: “The reformed structure will also include an independently chaired General Council, alongside strengthened arrangements for the resolution of individual grievances.” 

“These will provide an outlet for grievances to be heard where issues remain unresolved, on the exhaustion of internal grievance procedure provisions. There will also be an increased emphasis on mediated solutions, with a greater role for facilitated resolution at an early stage,” he said. 

Éamonn said the proposals will also provide for real-time dispute resolution support in trade disputes, delivered by officers of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). 

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