Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

As a Wexford Deputy I take the opportunity to associate myself with the vote of sympathy to the families bereaved by the fatality off the Wexford coast. It has been a horrendous two years in terms of maritime tragedies off Wexford and our thoughts go out to the families who are bereaved and to the rescue workers still involved in the recovery.

Yesterday in the Seanad the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, indicated that an application had been received in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for refundable redundancy payments in respect of workers dislodged by Irish Ferries. The Taoiseach indicated that Government policy on this matter would be for the State to resist funding for the displacement of Irish workers in this way. Will the Minister inform the House of Government policy on this matter?

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