Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
157 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the liquidation of the Linguistics Institute of Ireland and the continued use of the library resource; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9696/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt an extraordinary general meeting of ITE, held on 18 July 2003, the company agreed to initiate a process of voluntary liquidation. This decision was a matter for the members in accordance with their Memorandum and Articles of Association and relevant company law and was not related to financial considerations.
A meeting of the executive committee of ITE on 5 December agreed a timetable for the appointment of a liquidator, who was subsequently appointed on 9 January 2004, and agreed to issue redundancy notices to staff in advance of this. I understand from the liquidator that he has extended the period of notice of redundancy for the staff to 9 April 2004.
My Department has given a commitment to provide every assistance to the company in giving effect to its decision, in partnership with the staff of the institute, and is working closely with the liquidator in this regard. This includes exploring possible arrangements for the continuation of certain research activities previously carried out by the institute and, in the interests of assisting with an orderly wind-up, facilitating appropriate re-deployment or other appropriate arrangements for staff in line with general public service policy in these matters and subject to agreement with the Department of Finance.
Options that may be available in this context continue to be explored by my Department. In this regard, staff will be kept appraised as developments occur. The entitlements of those employees for whom appropriate re-deployment arrangements are not made will be determined in accordance with the terms of their contracts.
My Department is committed to ensuring that any arrangements for the future of the ITE library are made in a manner that recognises its wider academic and national policy importance. The director of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, who agreed to assist the liquidator in this regard, has completed her report and its recommendations are now being considered. I have asked to be kept informed of progress in these matters.
