Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

In the short time available, I wish to raise the refusal of Greencore to honour the Labour Court's recommendation on paying the correct redundancy settlement to the former workers of Irish Sugar. Greencore's refusal is one of the most despicable acts to have been committed by a multinational company. It is fundamental to the partnership agreements which have served this country well for the past 20 years that Labour Court recommendations are honoured. If workers are to sign up to future partnerships, the State must do all it can to ensure Greencore honours its agreement.

The fourth clarification from the Labour Court on 17 October clearly states that the basis for payment of redundancy was agreed by the former workers of Irish Sugar. Greencore issued a statement alleging the former workers would be paid on the double but that is absolute nonsense. Former Irish Sugar workers have always said they would have accepted an adverse decision by the Labour Court, so it behoves all Members to ensure Greencore pays the recommended redundancy settlement. Greencore is taking the State to court over the EU restructuring package but not one cent of this should be paid to the company unless it honours the Labour Court recommendations regarding its former workers. These workers have gone to considerable efforts to build up the company, so they deserve recompense.

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