asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that employers generally pay redundancy compensation well above the minimum compensation payable under the redundancy payments Acts except where redundancy occurs due to the insolvency of a company or the employer; in cases of insolvency, if it is his intention to make provision for the payment of at least double the minimum redundancy compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Redundancy Payments.
167.
I am aware that in some instances redundancy payments in excess of the statutory amounts are paid by employers. However, these payments are made as a result of agreements reached through collective bargaining.
I do not consider that it would be appropriate to provide for additional statutory payments on a selective basis i.e. to employees who have lost their employment as a result of the insolvency of their employers. Consequently, I have no plans to change the provisions of the Acts on the basis suggested in the question.