Michael Bell
Question:321 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Labour the reason for the delay in the payment from an unfair dismissal case (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Unfair Dismissals Case Award.
The person concerned was awarded £2,511.85 by the Employment Appeals Tribunal under the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977. As his former employers failed to pay the award my Department referred the matter to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for consideration as to the institution of legal proceedings.
The institution of proceedings was, unfortunately, delayed because of protracted doubts that arose in relation to the correct legal title of the employers.
Legal proceedings were instituted in late 1990 and the case was listed for hearing on 14 March, 1991. On the application of the employers, the case was adjourned. Subsequent to the adjournment the employers appealed the tribunal determination to the Circuit Court, where the case was heard in December, 1991. The court ordered the employers to pay the amount owed.
I understand from the Chief State Solicitor's Office that as the employers have not complied with the Circuit Court Order, it has now been decided to send it to the Sheriff's office for execution.
The Deputy will appreciate that the execution of a Circuit Court Order is outside the scope of my area of responsibility. My Department is, however, keeping in close touch with developments in the case and will keep the employee concerned informed.