Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for both their supplementary questions and their initial questions. Again, I will answer them to the best of my ability. I do so cognisant of the relatively tight framework in which I need to operate.

On the issue of saving jobs, if a company enters examinership, there is the 100-day period to which I referred to look at restructuring and to make sure jobs can be saved. The Government is quite clear that while it is not involved in that process, it stands ready to assist in any way as per the functions of the State and the power of the agencies available.

On Deputy Cian O'Callaghan's question on pay that is owed, any recourse in that regard would be through the WRC. The Government will ensure that the resources are there for the WRC. It also stands ready to act on any recommendation.

In terms of Labour Court inspections, I acknowledge the point made by Deputy Joan Collins. We need to increase the resources available to allow for an increased level of inspections. This is something that has come up a lot in other areas, but I will bring that back, where it is appropriate for me to do so, in order to underline it as per the comments the Deputy made previously.

Both Deputies Cian O'Callaghan and O'Reilly referred to assurances and potential follow-up meetings. At this stage, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to seek a follow-up meeting with the owners because other processes, such as examinership and possible WRC referrals, have been initiated. If and when it is appropriate, I will absolutely follow up on this, be it by means of an old-fashioned phone call, a set-piece meeting or a letter.

One thing I want to highlight to the Deputies and, indeed, others such as Deputy Bríd Smith who have raised this matter, is that I very much want to keep an open line of communication between the Government and the Opposition. We all have the collective shared intentions in this regard. Obviously, in doing that we have to be cognisant of the restrictions that apply.

I acknowledge Deputy O'Reilly's comments in respect of the Corporate Enforcement Authority. Hopefully, we can keep this an ongoing conversation here in the Chamber or outside, and keep the well-being and the future of Iceland workers front and centre over the coming weeks and months.

See this speech in context