Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

1 o’clock

The Tánaiste has asked the Company Law Review Group to examine changes to legislation not just along the lines of the Duffy Cahill report but also with regard to stronger parity for collective agreements with others in any liquidations. The bottom line is that this is a liquidation. Incidentally, it is not clear that the application of the recommendations in the Duffy Cahill report in all instances would have resolved the issues relating to Debenhams. The Government continues to examine what it can do to support the workers and to try to get something additional to the statutory payments it will make. However, it has been very challenging, and I acknowledge that it has been difficult for the workers, in particular.

Regarding the idea of the fund that has been loosely articulated, ICTU has been in contact on this and people are genuinely trying to find a formula whereby something can be developed. However, there is a big issue with what the Deputy has suggested. Is he suggesting that every good employer who honours agreements will be left paying for those who deliberately - I am not saying this is the case here, but others have done so - evaded their responsibilities and obligations to workers? That is letting the honest people pick up the tab. There is a challenge and moral hazard there. If that is put into legislation, it could become a charter for cowboys across the country.

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