Settlement of a dispute is an outcome that the parties themselves voluntarily decide. Likewise, where the parties do not resolve their dispute at conciliation, that is also their decision. The process of conciliation begins when one or both disputing parties writes to the Labour Relations Commission requesting assistance with their industrial relations dispute. The Commission responds positively to such requests and contacts both parties in order to confirm that they wish to use conciliation. Arrangements for conciliation meetings are finalised only when both parties confirm their willingness to participate in the process.
Participation is entirely voluntary.
Conciliation is a public service and is free to users. In certain cases where the parties are located some distance away from Dublin, they me be asked to provide a venue for meetings. If the parties are unable to do so, the Commission will always provide a venue. There are two possible outcomes to the conciliation process resolution of the dispute, or continuing disagreement. A settlement occurs either when the parties themselves reach a mutually acceptable agreement in conciliation or where they accept a proposal for settlement that the IRO has put to them.