I thank the Minister of State for attending the House to take this matter. I am disappointed neither the Tánaiste and Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment nor the Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Michael Ahern, both of whom were present for the debate on Private Members' time, saw fit to be in attendance.
Many people at IFI are rightfully angry. Their pension scheme was decimated and their redundancy payments totally inadequate. I understand a sit-in is under way in the canteen of the company's Belfast plant. The workers in Cork have said they have no quarrel with the liquidator, with whom they wish to co-operate. Their argument is with the Government. They have refused to take ammonia from the plant, which is leading to a dangerous situation.
A number of weeks ago, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, told the House that the workers would get their money but they would have to sign a receipt which would not sign away any of their other rights. However, the workers, many of whom have given long service to the State and who paid their taxes and everything asked of them, have not received payments. I met a man over the weekend whose daughter is attending a third level college and he told me he will have to remove her from the college. He will not qualify for a grant despite the fact that he has no money except for what he is getting on the dole, and even that was secured with difficulty.
Workers were presented with a document which, inter alia, states: “I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waive any rights that I, or any other person claiming in respect of me, may have to make a claim arising against the trustee . . . ” It goes on to stipulate that the worker will indicate the form was signed without coercion. This is a form of blackmail on behalf of the Government. Why did it not provide each worker with €5,000, as was promised in this House, in return for a signed receipt? Why did it go back on its promise and demand that workers sign away their rights?
I understand that issues such as life policies, benefit in kind and other policies have been lost to many workers. One worker is very ill and his family is worried that all his rights and entitlements may be lost. If he signs this form they will be lost.
The Government has treated the workers at IFI very badly. They wanted to negotiate. It appears there was a provision to allow for redundancies, but before they were paid the rug was pulled from under them. How would the Minister of State react if this happened in his constituency? Knowing him as I do, I am sure he would be up in arms about the way the workers are being treated, as am I and others in his party in Cork.
I hope that the Minister for State has something positive to say. They are worried also that when planning permission was granted in 1975, a bond was entered into by NET on behalf of the State and this may impact on payments to workers and creditors. Who is responsible for this bond? The workers and I are trying to get an answer to that question. Through a parliamentary question, the Minister told me that the clean up would cost €3 million as the site has to be returned to a greenfield site under planning law. From where will this money come? The company is in deficit to the tune of €44 million, of which the State has written off €34 million. There remain many creditors and workers who are worried. I implore the Minister to give positive answers and withdraw this appalling demand that the workers sign this document. I understand that they were so angry that they tore it up when they were presented with it. The Government should pay the €5,000 promised in the House and meet the workers. ICI will meet them on Friday, and I hope that the Minister will meet them then also. I hope there will be good news for this group of workers who have been loyal to the State. There were virtually no accidents or strike days in that plant. It is an appalling example to give to the private sector where companies might also be under pressure. Let us right the wrong as best we can.