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Industrial Disputes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Questions (59, 75, 88, 92)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of his plans for the resolution of an industrial dispute (details supplied) in view of the recent breakdown in talks at the Workplace Relations Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35114/20]

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John Lahart

Question:

75. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the further engagement his Department has had with the workers of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35042/20]

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Thomas Gould

Question:

88. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the deal offered in relation to a company (details supplied); and if he will intervene given this clear indication that the liquidator is unwilling to enter negotiations in good faith. [35076/20]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

92. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will engage with the liquidators of a company (details supplied) to encourage them to negotiate a mutually agreed settlement with the workers given the recent failure of the liquidator to engage in a commensurate reciprocal approach with the workers and their trade union. [34916/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 75, 88 and 92 together.

I extend my sympathies to the workers in Debenhams who have lost their jobs. I fully appreciate how difficult the situation is for those involved and their families. Many have been striking for over 200 days.

Recently I, along with the Taoiseach and Ministers Troy and English have met with Debenhams employees and their union, Mandate to hear their views and concerns about the liquidation of Debenhams Ireland.  

The Government is supportive of the best outcome that is possible for the workers, within the legal framework available.

Debenhams is insolvent and the liquidation is proceeding under the supervision of the High Court. The Government cannot intervene with a liquidator, who has a statutory duty to realise assets and distribute to creditors in accordance with the law.  Equally the Government has no statutory power to intervene in a court-supervised liquidation, that is subject to oversight of the High Court.

It is disappointing that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) facilitated talks last week did not succeed in agreeing a way forward between the parties.  I would urge both sides to re-engage in a constructive manner with a view to finding a mutually acceptable resolution.

The State guarantees statutory employment rights to workers, including statutory redundancy. 

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