Company Closures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004

Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Questions (42)

Phil Hogan

Question:

42 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review at any stage the redundancy package for the workers at Comerama, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, with a view to increasing the level of redundancy paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9351/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey)

The new redundancy rates were agreed with the social partners, the unions, employers and relevant Departments during the talks on Sustaining Progress and given legislative effect by the Oireachtas with effect from 25 May 2003 when the required commencement order was signed by the Tánaiste.

I regret that the Comerama and other workers did not benefit from the increased redundancy payments as due to legal advice received retrospection is not possible. As a result I will not be reviewing the redundancy package for the workers at Comerama.