Richard Boyd Barrett Demands Action Over Delphin Language School Strike

Richard Boyd Barrett raised questions in the Dáil about a strike by 50 workers at the Delphin English Language School, criticising the employer's refusal to recognise trade union representation and pressing for government action. He asked where the promised employment regulation order is and what the Government will do about precarious hours and lack of union recognition in the English language sector.

Strike at Delphin English Language School

In the bitter November cold, 50 workers at the Delphin English Language School have been on strike all of the week described by the deputy. He said the workers were forced out because their employer refused to recognise their right to be in a trade union and to be represented by that union, and he said industrial action has continued for a third or fourth week.

Question on employment regulation order

The deputy asked specifically where the employment regulation order is that the minister promised and recommended should be put in place. He said the order was needed to establish proper minimum paying conditions and rights for workers in the English language sector.

Concerns about sector conditions

Beyond this case, the deputy raised broader concerns about completely precarious hours of work and the lack of trade union recognition across the English language sector. He described the sector as very important and sought clarity on what the Government intends to do to address these structural problems.

Ministerial response and next steps

A minister was identified as working on the issue and as having made a commitment. A speaker offered to speak to the minister and requested that the minister revert directly to the deputy, signalling that a direct reply from the minister was being sought on the status of the employment regulation order and the strike.