Vol. 561 No. 4
138 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to introduce the promised legislation to improve statutory redundancy terms; if the introduction of the legislation, having regard to concerns that have been expressed that some employers may bring forward planned redundancies in order to avoid the new terms, will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4420/03]
The proposed higher levels of statutory redun dancy payments are being considered by the social partners and have not yet been agreed or subjected to ratification. If, as I hope, the agreement is ratified, it is my firm intention to bring the increased statutory redundancy payments into effect at the earliest possible date. Much preparatory work has been undertaken in my Department in anticipation of a favourable outcome to the ratification process.
Heads of a Bill have been drafted and it is intended to expedite the drafting of the legislation, which is required to bring into effect the new statutory redundancy rates. There is no evidence to suggest that employers are bringing forward planned redundancies in order to avoid paying the proposed increased redundancy rates.
