Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his courtesy, patience and the very good humour with which he has overseen proceedings in the Dáil, particularly on Thursdays, when he has been more often present than not for some interesting and exciting debates. I wish him and his family well in his retirement. I have met his family in recent times, and life outside politics seems to be going very well for them, for which I am glad.

It has been known for several years that new technology transmission systems such as Netflix have rendered Xtravision's business model redundant and there have been many suggestions of difficulties in the company from time to time. The Department of Social Protection will make all its services available to anybody who is affected by the proposed redundancies. When the Department receives notice from liquidators, or whoever is arranging the company's wind down, we will immediately move to establish any entitlements that people working there have through their social insurance contributions and any entitlements they may have to social welfare payments. We will also make all our Intreo public employment services available to workers affected. Given the demand for employees, I hope to assist as many of the workers as possible with fresh employment within a reasonably short time. We will provide all the services, and I can give the Deputy those details later for anybody who is affected.

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