Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. Nobody wants to open up a vista of abuse and the concept of limited liability is jettisoned. I want to ensure that employees who find themselves in this situation, people who have no money and who face dilemmas trying to look after their families when their employer leaves them in limbo has to be addressed. I take account of all the consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, the Revenue Commissioners, the ODCE and the Department of Social Protection but it is no use burying our heads in the sand. It is no use getting into a bureaucratic tangle and setting up reviews and so on.

This is an urgent issue, which is very relevant. In the past six months there were many people out on the streets of Dublin and everywhere else around the country. It is becoming a prominent issue and we have an obligation to help the employees, who are in the weaker position – employers are always more prominent and dominant. Many employees are not unionised. I salute Mandate, the union, and the other unions which have fought vigorously on this issue and advocate strongly for them. My heart and soul and sympathy are with the workers who find themselves in that position which brings dread to people. If one can access funds it carries one over for a few months while seeking alternative employment. It is time for this to be brought forward.

I will indict the Government if I do not see progress on this matter by the end of the year. There is too much pussyfooting, foot-dragging and obfuscation. Let us deal with this issue. The ICTU has presented a very fair and balanced way of dealing with it. There is no need for any further delays. Let us sit down with legal people. The Department could bring in some of the senior boys, such as Mr. Thomas Courtney. He would deal with this in a few weeks. Let us not delay and put it off. I know the Minister of State is faced with the dilemma of dealing with a bureaucratic reply. I do not accept bureaucracy. I generally kick over the traces of bureaucracy if I can.

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