asked the Minister for Labour if he is concerned about the Irish Hospital Sweepstake laying off 200 staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Hospital Sweepstake.
195.
My Department have not received any notice under the Protection of Employment Act, 1977 or the Redundancy Payments Acts in relation to the staff in question. The Department of Labour have a role in relation to dismissal of workers in so far as it oversees that the terms of employee protection legislation are observed in the process. Employers must have regard to the provisions of the Protection of Employment Act, 1977 in letting go workers and comply with the Redundancy Payments Acts, the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977, the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 and other protective legislation. In a situation of redundancy the Department of Labour can provide a range of support services to assist workers to obtain alternative employment or retraining. The services of the Labour Court and the Employment Appeals Tribunal are available to assist in the event of dismissal-related disputes.