Tony Gregory
Question:129 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Labour if he will intervene in the trade dispute (details supplied); if he will help bring the dispute before the Labour Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Redundancy Payments.
Tony Gregory
Question:130 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) introduced lump sum redundancy payments and subsequently asked the same workers to return to work through an employment agency; if he has investigated these allegations; if there is any action he can take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together. A complaint has been made to my Department alleging that the company has not compiled with the Protection of Employment Act. This is being investigated. In addition a complaint alleging that an unlicensed employment agency is in operation and objecting to the granting of a licence has been received. This complaint has been brought to the attention of the agency concerned and its observations have been requested. An application by the employment agency for a licence is at present under consideration.
I have been keeping in close touch with developments in the dispute and have encouraged both sides to avail of disputesettling machinery to help find a solution. The services of the Labour Court continue to be available to the parties.