asked the Minister for Labour if any agreement has been reached at EEC level on the basis of the Commission's draft Directive of 13 April 1978, recommending the setting up of a guarantee institution in each member state to protect the claims of workers whose employers have become insolvent; if he has any proposals in this regard to put before the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Protection of Employees.
30.
As I indicated in reply to a previous question on 2 May 1978 the Commission of the European Communities submitted to the Council of Ministers on 13 April 1978 a proposal for a Council directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states concerning the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. The aim of this proposal is the creation in each member state of appropriate means for satisfying outstanding claims for remuneration and so on by employees in the event of employers' insolvency. The proposal seeks to provide increased protection for employees and to harmonise the various provisions existing in the member states.
This proposal is being examined by the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee, and it will be examined by the Council of Ministers. There will be Irish participation in all stages of this examination. As no decisions have yet been taken in the matter, it would be premature to attempt to deal with the latter part of the Deputy's question.
I do not know how many times the Minister said here today that something was under review or under examination. Is he proposing to take any action in any matter on these questions or is he content to sit in his Department doing nothing, and not knowing what is going on there.
That is an argument, not a fact.
That is a fact.
It is not in order.