Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
199. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when she plans to end the temporary suspension of certain redundancy provisions in order that persons that are laid off permanently either due to Covid-19 or otherwise can get their statutory redundancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22956/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the emergency measure, which relates to redundancy entitlements following temporary periods of lay-off and short-time work due to Covid-19, is to ensure that employees have a continued link to their job, have a pathway to return to their employment and also to mitigate the serious risks to businesses and jobs.
It is important to note that an employee’s right to claim redundancy after a temporary period of lay-off or short-time has not been removed; rather, it has been deferred for a temporary period in this unprecedented emergency situation.
All other provisions of the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 remain unchanged and in force. In situations where an employer has not placed an employee on temporary lay-off but has in fact permanently let them go, the employer is obliged to comply with existing provisions of the Act such as notice of redundancy and the payment of a statutory lump sum payment to eligible employees.
The matter of a further extension beyond 17th September is currently under consideration. In its deliberations the Government will have regard to the criteria and principles underpinning the emergency provision and the public health and labour market situations.
