Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I received an e-mail last week from some of the Elverys Sports workers, as I assume did other Members. I was aware of reports in recent weeks that the company was going into examinership, with the likely outcome being a management buy-out. The general view among workers is that such an outcome would be best for them in terms of contracts, wages and conditions. In that context, it is absolutely amazing that we have arrived at a situation where the examiner has let other potential buyers into the fray.

Will the Minister explain why this has happened and what is likely to happen next? Will he give an assurance that whatever the outcome, the 700 jobs in Elverys Sports stores throughout the country will be protected, together with the contracts and conditions of the workers? This is a long-established company which, as the other speakers mentioned, provides sponsorship for sporting organisations throughout the country. Indeed, it is a much better sponsor than the cigarette and alcohol companies. We should support these types of local businesses as much as possible. I am not sure whether it is in the Minister's power to intervene with NAMA and with the examinership process. In any event, he has an opportunity this evening to explain to the workers what is happening.

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