The Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 requires employers to give employees with 13 weeks' continuous service a minimum statutory notice (1 week if under 2 years; 2 weeks 2–5 years; 4 weeks 5–10 years; 6 weeks 10–15 years; 8 weeks 15+). It excludes specified classes (eg part‑time under 21 hours; close family household staff; Civil Service; Defence Forces; Garda; certain seafarers) and permits Ministerial orders to vary scope and notice. Parties may waive notice or accept pay in lieu; misconduct dismissals are unaffected.

Employers must provide written particulars of terms within one month and on commencement. During notice employees retain contractual rights to pay, holidays and sick pay; where hours are irregular, pay is based on the 13‑week average and employers must pay when an employee is ready and willing to work. Disputes are referred to the Tribunal; compensation for employer default is recoverable and accorded priority in insolvency.