Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Department and local officials have worked tirelessly on this matter. We are in constant contact and are having discussions to ensure these payments are made as quickly, efficiently and sustainably as possible. I would love to be able to tell Deputy Conway that it will be next week or next month, and so would all my departmental officials. As the Deputy rightly pointed out, however, many wheels must be put in motion in this regard. We also have to get it right. I can well understand how Waterford Crystal is branded into people's hearts because they thought they were in safe, secure, long-term jobs. They went into a job for life because that is what Waterford Crystal was.

The Irish Glass Bottle Company in my area was a sister firm to Waterford Crystal. I will not give history lessons because we both know about the foundations of both companies and how one spun from the other. Many of my friends also lost their jobs and faced redundancy but they had to fight for their entitlements.

I can certainly understand the frustration and annoyance that Waterford Crystal workers have experienced because the payments are not coming quickly enough. All I can say is that the Tánaiste, I and the Department will work tirelessly to try to ensure the payments are made as soon as possible. Any delay will be reflected in backdated payments. However, I am not going to mislead the Deputy or the workers and their families. As soon as we have precise, accurate information we will come back directly to the Deputy, Unite and the workers to let them know exactly the factual position. We will move to that position as quickly as we possibly can. I will certainly keep in weekly contact with Deputy Conway concerning this matter.

People who have lost their jobs in Waterford Crystal do not want to hear we are going to make that payment in the second week in December and then we do not hit the target. That would be unfair and unjust. As soon as we have that precise information I will ensure it is given to the families who are affected by this.

We will do it as quickly as we can. I know Department officials have a personal relationship with this, because they know the workers who have come in and out of the Intreo offices. In many cases, they know them on a personal basis. From the point of view of the Department of Social Protection, it is more than simply a payment. Having listened to officials, I detect there is virtually a mission to try to get this done as quickly, effectively and efficiently as possible. I can give Deputy Conway that commitment. I am sorry about the news and that I cannot give the Deputy a date in December or January, but we will do it as quickly as we possibly can.

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