Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 16:

In page 9, lines 4 to 15, to delete subsection (1) and substitute the following:

"6.—(1) A proposal to create collective redundancies may be referred to the Redundancy Panel—

(a) by employee representatives acting with the approval of the majority of those whom they represent who are affected by the redundancy proposal at any time during the period of 30 days, or

(b) by the employer concerned at any time during the period of 40 days,

referred to in section 9 or 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 (as the case requires), by notice in writing addressed to the Chairman of the Panel in the care of the Secretary General and sent or delivered to the Secretary General at the principal office of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.".

This amendment changes subsection (1) by allowing for an extension of ten days to 40 days for an employer concerned in a case where no representatives have been appointed. This would have the dual effect of allowing the employer to consider whether the employees will make a referral and to prepare a proposal if they do not. The time limits in this part of the Bill should be examined so that people are given the best opportunity to consider these matters carefully before triggering this section's necessary effect. I would be grateful to hear the Minister of State's opinion on this matter.

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