Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
376. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the recent ECJ judgment in regard to the Waterford Crystal workers' pension entitlements, she will take steps to put in place an appropriate scheme to protect workers' pension rights when an employer becomes insolvent and the relevant pension fund to which contributions had been made is in deficit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23049/13]
View answerThe ruling by the European Court of Justice was in response to a reference by the High Court seeking clarification of the interpretation of European law emanating from EU Directive 2008/94EC on the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. Following the ECJ ruling, the matter will now revert to the High Court for consideration. Given this matter remains before the courts it would not be appropriate that I comment further on any aspects of or possible issues arising from the case at this time. Careful and detailed consideration will of course be given to the ruling of the European Court of Justice and of the outcomes of the case before the High Court.
