Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I compliment the Labour Relations Commission, LRC, and the Minister on taking the initiative in the Vita Cortex case. However, it has not succeeded. It appears that a deal was done but at the 11th hour one of the parties reneged and walked away. The situation is that 32 people were denied their entitlements by the owner of a company who has engaged with NAMA. I appreciate that the Minister has engaged with the LRC on the matter, but what can we do for these workers who are being denied their rights and entitlements? This group of people have been engaged in a sit-in for in excess of 40 days. These workers are not prohibiting other work being done. They are engaging in a democratic action to receive their entitlements. They are not militants. They are not part of any group of mavericks. They are genuine, decent people who have in some cases worked for 47 years in the company. Where can they go now?

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