Ireland: Employee Benefits & Compensation

Understanding the Workplace Relations Commission adjudication process is crucial for both employers and employees navigating employment disputes in Ireland. This guide walks through each stage of the WRC process, from the initial complaint submission through mediation, the formal hearing, and potential appeals. Learn what to expect at each step and how to effectively prepare for an adjudication hearing.

The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 (Act) came into force on 29 June 2026. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published a code of practice (Code), also operative since 29 June 2026...

Irish employment law includes a comprehensive framework of protected leave entitlements that employers must navigate carefully to maintain compliance. Understanding the distinctions between maternity, paternity, parental, sick leave, and other statutory leave categories is essential for HR professionals and business leaders. This guide breaks down the key requirements and employment protections that apply across all leave types in Ireland.

The Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) Act 2026 (PDF 467KB) was signed into law on 31 March.

The Workplace Relations Commission recently updated its Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working (see Code here) (the “Code”), which was initially published in 2006. The updated Code maintains a core principle: part-time work should be accessible across all organisational levels.

On 25 March 2026, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (“FSPO”) published its Overview of Complaints for 2025 (“Overview”). The Overview provides a summary of the complaints made to the FSPO and reports the trends and patterns in complaints made.

The new Irish pensions auto-enrolment system, known as MyFutureFund, went live on 1 January 2026. However, new regulations concerning MyFutureFund were introduced in late December and these important changes took effect on 1 January 2026.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970) (the "Directive") is due to be transposed into Irish law in 2026.

The National Minimum Wage Order 2025 took effect from 1 January 2026, increasing the national minimum hourly rate to €14.15.