Answer ... The Workplace Relations Commission was established on 1 October 2015. It is the body to which all employment law-related disputes and complaints are referred. It offers mediation, conciliation and adjudication services. Appeals from an adjudication officer of the Workplace Relations Commission (ie, the first stage of the adjudication process) are brought before the Labour Court.

The Workplace Relations Commission also has powers of inspection and enforcement, and may visit employment premises to ensure compliance with equality and employment-related legislation.

If an employee claims to have been discriminated against on the grounds of gender, he or she may choose to take the complaint directly to the circuit court.

Answer ... An employee can bring an employment law claim to the Workplace Relations Commission by filling out the Workplace Relation Commission’s online complaint form.

The limitation periods for bringing claims to the Workplace Relations Commission are as follows:

• Unfair dismissal: Within six months of the date of termination, with a possibility to extend by up to another six months;
• Discrimination: Within six months of the most recent occurrence of discrimination, with a possibility to extend by up to another six months;
• Unlawful deduction of wages: Within six months of the date of contravention, with a possibility to extend by up to another six months; and
• Redundancy payment: Within one year of the date of termination of employment, with a possibility to extend by up to another year.

All periods of extension are for reasonable cause only.