Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The documentation required to be submitted within four weeks of the date of dismissal by reason of redundancy will be set out in regulations. Such documentation is likely to include: a copy of the P45, which must be dated within the last 4 weeks, and/or a letter from the previous employer stating that permit holder has been made redundant within the last four weeks, and an explanation of the reason; and the previous employer's certified copy of the permit issued in respect of that permit holder. As indicated, we will be requesting a copy of a P45 and/or a letter from the employer. In the event that a P45 is not available, then the letter from the previous employer confirming same will suffice. Provision of documentary evidence establishes the bona fides of the circumstances applying.

My Department very rarely comes across instances where such documentation has not been forthcoming from previous employers. Where such circumstances do arise, the Department requests that the documentation be forwarded directly and the matter is invariably resolved. Therefore, the amendment is not necessary and I will not be accepting it.

The Senator also raises the wider issue of companies that do not wind up. That goes well beyond employment permit legislation. It would not be possible to consider a situation where the Minister would become responsible for the affairs of a company in that way, as that would be a very significant change in law.