Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2019
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is accepted that a person (details supplied) is not in the financial position to repay a sum under the redundancy and insolvency payment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30132/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, provides for the making of payments by employers to employees in respect of redundancy. It is the employer's responsibility to pay statutory redundancy payments to all eligible employees. In the event that an employer is unable to pay due to financial difficulties, an application for payment from the Social Insurance Fund may be submitted to the Department. When such a redundancy payment is made from the Social Insurance Fund, a debt is immediately raised against the employer.
The Department is obliged to make every effort to recover the debts owed to the Social Insurance Fund, in accordance with Section 32 of the Act.
If a person is not in a position to make a repayment it is important that they engage with the Department's Debt Management Unit so that the relevant records can be updated to reflect the position. Recent financial information has not been received in this case therefore my officials are unable to confirm inability to repay the debt.
Again I would also like to remind the Deputy that any person who is experiencing difficulties with their mortgage repayments can avail of the Government's Abhaile service which is run by MABS (www.mabs.ie/abhaile.ie). Borrowers who qualify for this scheme will incur no charge for using this service.
I trust that this helps clarifies the matter.
