Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 October 2020
57. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the contacts he has had with a company (details supplied) and trade unions regarding an ongoing dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29994/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach and Ministers Troy and English and I have met with Debenhams employees and their union, Mandate, on a number of occasions to hear their views and concerns about the liquidation of Debenhams Ireland.
The government fully appreciates how difficult the situation is for those involved and their families. All relevant state agencies are working in a coordinated way to support those who have lost their jobs. The State will guarantee statutory employment rights to the workers of Debenhams, including statutory redundancy and will provide job-search assistance and upskilling opportunities.
A number of suggestions have been made as to how the Government might intervene. However, the Government cannot intervene with a liquidator, who has a statutory duty to realise assets and distribute to creditors in accordance with the law. Equally the Government has no statutory power to intervene in a court-supervised liquidation, that is subject to oversight of the High Court.
Any discussions entered into voluntarily by the workers and employers with one of the State’s industrial relations bodies, the WRC or the Labour Court, are confidential to the parties and I, as Minister, have no role in, or knowledge of, these discussions.
