Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for their intervention by raising this issue. With reference to the TUPE regulation and the obligations in that regard, it is not for me to adjudicate on how the dispute should be resolved. We have apparatus in place to do just that. To be clear, regulations are in place and they are the same for all employers, be they multinational companies or otherwise. We do not differentiate in employment law between multinational and local smaller companies. All employers have responsibilities and there is a legal apparatus in place to ensure they are fulfilled. That legal apparatus does a good job. It is not for a Minister or a politician to step in and make that judgment call. The apparatus in place is successful and the legislation is very strong. We need to get it going.

I share the Deputies' concerns about the situation at the company. It is always a source of regret for me and the Minister to see people out of work, either temporarily or otherwise and certainly in the run-up to Christmas in six weeks' time, but it is not for the Minister or the Government to adjudicate on the source of the dispute between the employees and company management. Undoubtedly, there are different versions. I am not saying there is only one. We do not have all of the facts and I do not believe any of us does. Respective Governments have worked hard over the decades to put in place a strong and robust industrial relations framework in the State which is supported by all Members of the House. That framework is in place to deal with these regrettable disputes. It is, therefore, the proper forum in which to address substantial difficulties such as those that have arisen in this case.

We should be as optimistic as possible. The Minister and I are not aware of any reason the dispute cannot be resolved. I believe that is true for the two Deputies also. The company has a strong presence in Ireland. The employees value their jobs and, as Deputy Joan Collins said, have a long history of working at that plant under different ownership for 20 to 30 years. They are valuable jobs. Therefore, I urge both sides to the dispute to engage constructively together to have the difficulties resolved in order that workers can return to work and the facility can operate normally once more. Many others are dependent on it.

See this speech in context