Ms Maeve McElwee:

There is huge potential for inequality to be created. A significant issue would also arise from recognising a voluntary agreement, which is agreed between an employer and employees, in circumstances that most likely do not envisage any situation of insolvency arising. Most ex-gratiapayments and collective agreements are negotiated to sustain and maintain a going concern. Never in my personal experience have they been negotiated with an insolvency situation in mind. Therefore, making that a statutory obligation on the State is a concerning move.