Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
607. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will intervene with the board of a group (details supplied) to ensure the previously agreed severance package is honoured. [13055/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a subsidy to this employer through the Wage Subsidy Scheme. The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial incentives to private sector employers to employ people with a disability.
I received notification from this employer on 17 February 2021 of proposed collective redundancies at a place of business. I noted and welcomed the employer's commitment to engage in a consultation process with affected employees from the week beginning 21 February in order to identify solutions and reach agreement in relation to the proposed redundancies. I also noted the employer's commitment that, where a decision was taken to proceed with the proposed redundancies following the period of consultation, the employer would honour the employees' contractual and statutory rights with respect to a redundancy package as part of this process.
It is the employer's responsibility to pay all eligible employees their redundancy entitlements. The law sets out various entitlements for employees following redundancy. Matters relating to redundancy legislation are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
At a local level, dedicated staff in my Department have been assigned to work directly with the employees affected by this redundancy to ensure they receive their proper entitlements and appropriate supports. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that any social welfare claims arising from the company closure will be expedited.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
