Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies for raising this very difficult issue. I am very concerned to learn of the difficulties being experienced by Roadbridge Limited and the potential knock-on effects on its sub-suppliers and customers. I am answering on behalf of the Tánaiste who is the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I extend my sympathies to all employees and subcontractors who have been affected by this decision by the company to go into receivership. I know that this news will be very concerning for all the workers involved and their families. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social Protection will support the company and the employees in any way they can. Officials have been monitoring the situation carefully and have been working closely with the Department of Social Protection in order to assist affected employees during this difficult time.

The Government is committed to rebuilding a strong economy that provides stability for workers and helping those who have lost their jobs to secure alternative employment. We will continue to be as responsive as we can to the issues as they unfold. During this period of uncertainty, I am glad to report that employees have received assurances from the receiver regarding their redundancy entitlements and access to income supports. Following joint engagement late last week with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social Protection, the receiver has confirmed to employees that there is no statutory restriction on them taking up additional employment during a statutory redundancy consultation period in circumstances where they are not expected to attend the workplace. Provided that they do not resign from their current employment, there should be no obstacle to retaining their statutory redundancy entitlements.

Officials from the Department of Social Protection have already met with the receiver and employee representatives to provide information and assurances regarding measures taken to accept online applications for income support as quickly as possible. My Government colleague, Deputy Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Social Protection, has already gone on record to encourage individuals now seeking jobseeker's payments to apply online so that her Department can process their claims as quickly as possible.

Enterprise Ireland has been in regular contact with the company, including engaging in discussions with the acting CEO of Roadbridge and the receiver to investigate whether any Roadbridge contracts can be fulfilled by other operators in the market. This, however, will be challenging given the current inflationary pressures. Nevertheless, these discussions are ongoing and everything possible will be done to achieve as positive an outcome as possible. Indeed, the receiver has given an undertaking to continue discussions with Enterprise Ireland on the ground in the coming days to further discuss how Enterprise Ireland can further support employees and subcontractors impacted by the receivership.

Indications are that the staff of Roadbridge should be able to find alternative employment very quickly. The Department of Social Protection will provide all relevant supports through the local Intreo offices. The Department is still gathering information as to the scale of the potential adverse impacts on sub-suppliers and subcontractors and it would certainly welcome any further intelligence or information that Deputies may have in that regard.

There were a couple of questions. Will employees be able to access income supports? Yes, the Department of Social Protection has moved quickly to ensure that employees can access income supports through online application. Can an employee take up another job? There is no statutory restriction on employees taking up additional employment during the 30-day consultation period in circumstances where they are not expected to attend the workplace. Provided they do not resign from their current employment, there should be no obstacle to retaining their statutory redundancy entitlements. While there was initially some confusion regarding this matter, the receiver clarified the issue with Roadbridge employees on 15 March.

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