Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
51. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that his Department is putting in place for suppliers affected by the collapse of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18479/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI once again extend my sympathies to all employees and subcontractors of Roadbridge who have been impacted by these developments and I know this news is very concerning for all involved.
Enterprise Ireland has been in regular contact with the company including engaging in discussions with the acting CEO of Roadbridge and the Receiver to investigate whether any Roadbridge contracts can be fulfilled by other operators in the market. This will be challenging given the current economic climate and inflationary pressures. These discussions are ongoing and everything possible will be done to achieve as positive an outcome as possible.
A number of creditors have also made contact with Enterprise Ireland, which in turn has advised them to contact the Receivers. Reports to hand from industry sources indicate that, where facilities are in place, credit insurance options are being exercised and will be considered favourably.
The Receiver has given an undertaking to continue discussions with Enterprise Ireland to further discuss how Enterprise Ireland can support employees and subcontractors impacted by the receivership.
However, it should be noted that Receivership arises from a private contractual relationship between a lender and a creditor and as such I cannot intervene in this matter. The Companies Act 2014 confers statutory powers on receivers appointed to preserve, manage or sell the property of a company. The Act also provides that an application may be made to court for directions concerning the performance by the receiver of their functions. Breach of a receiver’s statutory duties may result in the receiver being held personally liable for any loss incurred. In addition, misconduct by receivers must be reported to the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
We will continue to gather information as to the scale of the potential adverse impacts on sub-suppliers and sub-contractors. Department officials will continue to liaise with all stakeholders to fully determine the scale of the potential impacts on sub-suppliers and sub-contractors and the progress of the infrastructural projects concerned with a view to considering what options are available in terms of how these projects might be sustained.
We are working across Government, including with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Transport, to examine what options are available with regard to major construction projects to see how these projects might be progressed.
My officials will continue to monitor the situation carefully and continue to be as responsive as we can to the issues as they unfold.
