Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has raised a number of points about this disturbing situation. I cannot comment on the veracity of some of the points made by the Deputy. If there is a serious case of unpaid taxes, it is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The Revenue Commissioners have extensive powers in respect of any company that fails or has unpaid taxes, including the power to put such a company into liquidation.

NERA is the enforcement agency on behalf of the Department and is engaging with both sides and it has certain powers. As outlined in my reply, there are ways in which justifiable unpaid wages can be pursued through the Rights Commissioner Service or, in certain cases, through the Employment Appeals Tribunal. That route exists and, to date, it has not been activated.

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