Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 March 2022
3. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department has taken with a company (details supplied) to support employees and subcontractors impacted by a receivership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15231/22]
View answerI extend my sympathies to all employees of Roadbridge whom have been affected by this decision by the Company to go into receivership and I know that this news will be very concerning for all the workers involved and their families.
My officials have been monitoring the situation carefully and have been working closely with the Department of Social Protection in order to assist affected employees during this difficult time.
The Government is committed to re-building a strong economy that provides stability for workers and helping those who have lost their jobs to secure alternative employment and we will continue to be as responsive as we can to the issues as they unfold.
During this period of uncertainty, I am glad to report that employees have received assurances from the Receiver regarding their redundancy entitlements and access to income supports.
Following joint engagement late last week with my Department and the Department of Social Protection, the Receiver has confirmed to employees that there is no statutory restriction on them taking up additional employment during a statutory redundancy consultation period, in circumstances where they are not expected to attend the workplace. Provided that they do not resign from their current employment, there should be no obstacle to retaining their statutory redundancy entitlements.
Officials of the Department of Social Protection have already met with both the Receiver and employee representatives to provide information and assurances regarding measures taken to accept online applications for income support as quickly as possible. My Government colleague, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection, has already gone on record to encourage individuals now seeking jobseekers payments to apply on line so that her Department can process their claims as quickly as possible.
The Department of Social Protection will provide all relevant supports through the local Intreo Offices and will proactively help employees to access opportunities available for employment or appropriate training and development.
Enterprise Ireland has been in regular contact with the company and Officials have had discussions with the Acting CEO to investigate whether any Roadbridge contracts can be fulfilled by other operators in the market. This, however, will be challenging given the current inflationary pressures.
The Receiver has given an undertaking to continue discussions with Enterprise Ireland on the ground in the coming days to further discuss how Enterprise Ireland can further support employees, sub-contractors and sub-suppliers impacted by the receivership.
My Department will continue to liaise with all stakeholders in order to fully determine the scale of the potential adverse impacts on sub-suppliers and sub-contractors and the progress of the infrastructural projects concerned with a view to considering what options are available in terms of how these projects might be sustained.
