Resolution of Disputes

The Maternity Protection Act is enforced through the machinery provided for in the Unfair Dismissals Act: Rights Commissioner, Employment Appeals Tribunal, Circuit Court and High Court. The Unfair Dismissals Act is extended to provide for the determination of disputes over entitlements under the Maternity Act as well as alleged unfairdismissal for exercising rights under the Act.

Disputes under the Acts go initially to a Rights Commissioner and only on appeal to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) and may be appealed to the High Court only on a point of law.

Disputes in relation to the health and safety regulations are taken to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and on appeal to the civil courts.