Dáil debates

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Covid-19 (Communications, Climate Action and Environment): Statements

 

11:25 pm

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise several issues affecting Bord na Móna workers. I raised some of these issues with the Minister by email at the end of April. At that time, between 190 and 230 Bord na Móna workers were laid off due to the impact of Covid-19. That was the reason given to employees in Bord na Móna's direct communication with them.

At that time, they put some workers on the wage subsidy scheme and left the majority of seasonal and contract workers with nothing. These seasonal workers were given a couple of days' notice in writing and were told their jobs and income were gone. This was a disgraceful way for Bord na Móna to treat the employees. In a very selective way, Bord na Móna decided who would be kept on or let go, whose wages would be secured, and who would receive a letter to say they might be eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment. They are workers with mortgages, families and bills, and they have been affected in the same way as any other worker from Covid-19, yet they have been treated very differently. The loss of wages does not impact just on the individuals and their families but also on local economies and communities, from Lanesborough and Shannonbridge to Blackwater bog.

I also raise the issue of the alternative work being offered to laid-off workers, again on a selective nature to some employees. I understand that some of the job offers are in Dublin. Given that 24,000 commuters from that region travel to Dublin, mostly for college and work every day, we need to be looking for alternative work in the area and not push more and more people into Dublin.

We need clarity from Bord na Móna on the redundancy severance packages it is offering to workers. Some workers have sought redundancy but have not been able to access it, and there are concerns for workers who have been laid off and whether this will negatively impact on their redundancy payments.

Is it acceptable that some workers at Bord na Móna are being locked out from the wage subsidy scheme? Will the Minister seek clarity from Bord na Móna on the alternative job opportunities it is offering to some employees who are being recalled for work? Such opportunities should be available to as many workers as possible and not just be on a selective basis. Finally, will the Minister ensure that workers have full access to information about redundancy?

The idea put forward by Kieran Mulvey for the midlands to become an energy hub is exciting and we all welcome it, but a just transition for the many towns and villages that will be directly impacted by the early exit of peat is crucial. Entire communities, families and businesses depend on us to get this right and, unfortunately, time is not on our side.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.