Labour Court unable to resolve Dublin City Council and Fórsa qualifications dispute

The Labour Court recommended no resolution to a dispute between Dublin City Council and workers represented by Fórsa over qualifications for an Executive Health and Safety Officer role. The recommendation was dated 21 July 2026. The union sought a return to earlier qualification criteria, arguing that revised requirements risked creating differences in qualifications and responsibilities among staff. The Council said the union had misunderstood which role a 2010 circular covered and that it advertised alternative recognised qualifications. The parties confirmed that the anticipated differences in responsibilities had not arisen in practice. The Court said it could not assist without clarification of the circular’s interpretation, which could have wider implications, and recommended no resolution.