Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

While I understand the Deputies' and the workers' frustration, the consultation period has not concluded. Representatives of the workers and the company are engaged at the LRC. The track record has shown that despite real difficulties - no doubt there are difficulties in this case - the LRC has successfully resolved those issues in the past. Those in the LRC are the professionals in the field and it is not good IR practice to seek to get political involvement where seasoned professionals can handle this, which is the appropriate approach.

At this point the status of the workers is not clear. I accept that the notice only went in on 15 December. However, until the period is exhausted, my Department will not be able to establish whether there has been a breach. We do not have the evidence to determine if a breach has occurred. I hope and expect that both sides will take this opportunity to find a resolution that retains as many employees as possible and treats those workers who cannot be retained in a proper and decent fashion.

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