Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
19. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to implement the Duffy Cahill report in order to give workers preferential status as creditors and help prevent a similar situation to that of workers (details supplied) arising again. [30030/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA 'Plan for Action on Collective Redundancies following Insolvency' was presented by myself and Minister Troy to the social partners last week. It was well-received. I intend for the Plan to be published shortly.
The Plan details short and medium-term measures that will further enhance the protection of employees who find themselves in a redundancy situation due to company insolvency, in a way that does not overly impede businesses and their operations.
The Plan includes commitments to:
- Introduce amendments to a range of legislation in areas of employment law and company law dealing with matters relating to collective redundancies following company insolvency,
- Develop a Guidance Document which will provide clear and accessible information in relation to the rights and remedies available to employees facing a collective redundancy situation following a company insolvency,
And, separately, in the area of employment law more broadly to:
- Establish an independent Employment Law Review Group, comprising expert stakeholders, which will help shape the formulation of policy and legislation to ensure that Ireland’s employment law framework remains fit for purpose and adapts to the evolving contemporary workplace.
This complementary range of measures will promote the provision of quality information, enhance participation and transparency for those workers facing a collective redundancy following company insolvency, and will also provide for continued development of employment law in general.
Work will continue, with ongoing engagement with trade unions and business representative groups, against the timeframes outlined in the Plan for Action. Government will be ready to respond as the plan progresses.
