Vol. 561 No. 5
163 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date she intends the new redundancy arrangements to come into operation; her views on the fact that it is very important to those who are now under notice and the way in which it will affect their future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4990/03]
Existing statutory redundancy rates apply to those being made redundant at present. Changes to the redundancy payments scheme are an integral part of the draft partnership agreement. This agreement has not yet been ratified. Amendments to the Redundancy Payments Acts will be required to implement the increased statutory redundancy payments.
In advance of ratification of the partnership agreement my Department has prepared heads of Bill to introduce the required changes and other changes, which have been agreed by the redundancy review group which reported last year. Following ratification of the partnership agreement the Government will implement the increased rates at the earliest possible date.
