Employment rights - Unions will welcome new director

The establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority, and that of Ger Deering as its director, will be welcomed by the trade unions.

Promised as part of the Toward 2016 national pay agreement, it sees the number of labour inspectors trebled to 90, the lack of which was something the unions had been high critical of.

It is a consequence of the highly controversial GAMA dispute, originally highlighted by this newspaper, which resulted in the increased labour inspectorate.

Mr Deering will be known as taxi regulator, a sector with which he had an abrasive relationship, although many changes had been achieved. The new national fare structure, and threatened strike during the Ryder Cup, will be remembered as part of his tenure.

He will not assume his new post until February 12 next, and it is not surprising that the National Taxi Drivers Union (NTDU) are to seek a meeting with him, and Transport Minister Martin Cullen.

His move was not expected and it is important that the work since his appointment in 2004 be continued. The role of the chairman of the Commission for Taxi Regulation is crucial for monitoring this service sector, which plays such an important part in many aspects of the business and social life of the country.