Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach. It is indeed sad and difficult news. I know of friends, neighbours and constituents who are in a situation where two partners are both working for tech companies. They have massive mortgages and enormous childcare fees. They are locked into these commitments and are facing an uncertain future in which they see prospective job losses. I absolutely accept there has been enormous expansion in the sector, supported by State investment. Let us not forget that. Indeed, I understand the State invested €42 million in Stripe through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF. There must be a quid pro quo. There has to be a sense that companies are now going to treat workers with dignity and respect.

Can the Taoiseach confirm the statement by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, yesterday that penalties and sanctions will be applied where companies are found to be in breach of existing laws requiring, for example, a 30-day notice and consultation period where collective redundancies are being discussed and presented and where there is required to be notification in advance to the Tánaiste's Department? We have seen indications that these legal obligations will be complied with but can the Taoiseach confirm sanctions will follow where there is a lack of compliance? Can he confirm he will be looking to strengthen the rights of workers to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect in similar situations in the future?

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