Vol. 558 No. 6
11 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the recent announcement of the planned closure of a company (details supplied) with the loss of 180 jobs; if she intends to use the powers available to her under the Protection of Employment Act, 1977, to require the company to enter into consultations with her on the proposed redundancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24880/02]
My Department has not yet received notification under section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act, 1977, as amended, about the planned redundancies in the company referred to.
One of my officials has been in contact with the company and has reminded them of their obligations under that Act. He has also sent them a comprehensive guide to the collective redundancy legislation, which outlines the employer's obligations both in respect of notifying me under section 12 of the 1977 Act and of consulting and giving comprehensive information to their employees under that Act. The guide also draws attention to the rights of employees to bring a complaint to a rights commissioner in the event of an employer failing to fully consult them.
My Department understands that the proposed redundancies are not due to take effect until about the middle of 2003. The time period for notifying me and for consulting with the employees' representatives is 30 days before the redundancies commence.
What is the timeframe in which this happened? When was an approach made to the company concerned, HB, and the parent company Anglo-Dutch Unilever? At what level was the contact made and what is the process that will now be undertaken by the Minister's Department to ensure that the law is complied with and, if possible, that jobs are protected in that plant before the announced redundancies take effect in the middle of next year?
Shortly after the announcement was made representatives of the Department and Enterprise Ireland held discussions on the impending closure and redundancies with the management of the company and tried to establish if there was any possibility of the plant remaining open. They also considered alternative means of production by other companies of some of the products produced at the Rathfarnham plant to ensure the continuing supply of as much milk as possible.
In view of the deteriorating employment situation globally and nationally, will the Minister of State confirm that he will make a personal initiative in this regard and not leave matters to his officials? Will he make direct contact with the company to ensure that the law is complied with and will he ascertain what mechanisms, if any, exist to protect employment at the plant?
I have taken a keen personal interest in what has happened since the announcement and I have been continually advised, as has the Minister, by our officials. Every effort is being made to ensure that the law is complied with and that the effects of the closure are kept to a minimum.
Will the Minister of State meet the company?
I will be happy to do so if it should prove to be necessary or if any benefit is to be gained. I am satisfied that best efforts are being made to date.
