(Waterford) asked the Minister for Labour when he intends to introduce legislation to implement the EEC 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.
Written Answers. - Protection of Employees.
490.
The requirement is that the directive in question should be implemented by Member states by 22 October 1983. I hope to have the directive implemented in advance of the prescribed date but I am unable to be more precise at this stage as there are complex legal issues involved. One matter which will affect the period needed for implementation is whether the directive can be implemented by regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972, or whether a special Bill will be required. I am at present taking legal advice on this and other issues.