Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

In its decision, the Labour Court expressed its disappointment that the company was unable to accept its invitation to enter a further meeting in a final attempt to resolve the impasse. That statement was made in response to clarifications which were sought by the workers. I find it almost incomprehensible that Greencore could refuse to comply with a Labour Court decision when it has the Minister for Agriculture and Food as its "golden share" director. How can the Government have any credibility if it refuses to compel Greencore to deliver on what is expected and what is a reasonable Labour Court decision?

Today in Portlaoise, Pat Guilfoyle of the TEEU and Gerry McCormack of SIPTU met Joe Walsh from Greencore and Seán Brady from Irish Sugar in an attempt to resolve the issue. Was the Minister aware of the meeting? Is she aware that as a result of that meeting the two gentlemen from Greencore and Irish Sugar told the workers' representatives that they are not prepared to honour the Labour Court ruling? They also said it was the same decision as delivered on 29 July to which the Minister was party, which is that the workers will not get their full entitlements. Where does the Minister stand on the matter? Is she prepared to exercise her rights as the holder of the golden share to pressurise Greencore to give in to the adjudication of the Labour Court. We need this clarification.

At present, 160 workers are out of work and living on social welfare assistance. However, Greencore has assumed a public asset built for the workers, farmers and construction workers in the company in both Carlow and Mallow. We had a vibrant industry that sustained rural Ireland for more than 80 years with plants in Thurles, Tuam, Carlow and Mallow. This industry has been sold off by a multinational for its own profit and benefit. The Minister for Agriculture and Food holds the golden share for the sole purpose of protecting the rights of the workers, producers and contractors. Where does the Minister stand? I want to know, as do the workers and producers who demand an answer and justice. That justice can only come about when everybody gets his and her rightful entitlements. Any company that ignores the Labour Court is a disgrace.

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