Vol. 560 No. 4
178 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she intends to amend the current legislation covering statutory redundancy; if this legislation will be retrospective; if it will have an impact on redundancy to be paid later in 2003 but which has already been negotiated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2806/03]
The proposed higher levels of statutory redundancy payments are subject to ratification by the social partners. It is my firm intention to bring these proposed statutory redundancy lump sum and rebate payments into effect at the earliest possible date. The necessary preparatory work, including the legislative framework and the updating of the IT facilities, is currently under way in my Department in anticipation of a favourable outcome to the ratification process. This work is being afforded top priority and every effort is being made to advance it as quickly as possible. Decisions have not yet been taken by Government on the specific matters raised in the question.
