Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important if there is an issue that it is not only highlighted but followed up. Certainly, I will ask the Minister and his officials to make direct contact with the Deputy on the issue. Whether it is creating a mechanism or communication line with the Workplace Relations Commission, we need to look at some action point. There are statutory protections for workers in the context of redundancy. Under the redundancy payments scheme, eligible employees with at least two years' continuous service in fully insurable employment are entitled to a minimum statutory lump sum payment on being made redundant. A redundancy situation arises where a business closes and ceases to trade. An employee is entitled to two weeks' pay for every year of service with a bonus week added on subject to the prevailing maximum ceiling on gross weekly pay, which is currently €600. The lump sum payment is tax free. In addition, employees are entitled to notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act. I will certainly convey the Deputy's concern on specific and individual cases.

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