The figures are set out in the WRC’s annual report for 2018, the fourth report published since the body was established under the Workplace Relations Act 2015.

Welcoming the report, Employment Minister Pat Breen said 2018 was “a very successful year for the WRC”, with a 20 per cent increase in number of hearings, a 206 per cent increase in face-to-face mediations, and a 20 per cent increase in concluded inspections.

The WRC recovered over €3 million in unpaid wages for employees over the year, an increase of 75 per cent on 2017.

Mr Breen said: “As the economy continues to do well, we must ensure that those in work are paid what they are due and the WRC is playing a significant role in the pursuit of this objective.”

The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII) welcomed the increase in face-to-face mediation and the 64 per cent success rate in resolving 1,844 mediations.

Margaret Considine, president of the MII, said: “As mediation becomes increasingly recognised as a speedy, efficient, confidential and cost-effective process, which offers disputant parties the opportunity to determine the best outcome for them, it is good to see how successful and efficient mediation is proving to be for state agencies like the WRC.”