asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that the interests of the redundant workers of a company (details supplied) are receiving urgent attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Redundant Workers.
277.
The interests of the former employees of the company in question and of an associate firm have been receiving every attention possible in matters of concern to my Department.
Payment from the redundancy fund of sums totalling £119,440 has already been made to 154 former employees of both companies. Further payments from the fund amounting to £1,462 have recently been authorised in respect of three other former employees.
Under the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973, awards have been made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal to former employees of both companies. The parent company is in liquidation and the Act provides that in such a situation, awards made by the tribunal shall have preferential status. However, the associate company has not been liquidated and a High Court Examiner has been asked to decide whether its employees have a claim against the parent company.
The National Manpower Service of my Department has succeeded in obtaining alternative employment for some of the former employees.