Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

After months of repeated reports of systematic non-payment of wages, sick pay and holiday pay, Iceland workers are now facing mass redundancy, as we have seen that company loaded with debt and run into the ground by the boss, Mr. Naeem Maniar. The Government stood by and let this wage theft happen, despite multiple appeals by the union representing workers, that is, the Independent Workers' Union, for intervention to protect workers. We saw this happen with the Debenhams workers. We have seen this happen with other groups of workers previously and we will continue to see it until the law is changed. The Debenhams Bill is sitting in committee facing the usual delaying tactics. Irish workers continue to be some of the most exposed workers in the EU when their employer enters bankruptcy. Will the Government make this a priority by supporting the Debenhams Bill or bring through its own legislation to make sure workers get their unpaid wages, sick pay, holiday pay and agreed redundancy payments when their employer files for bankruptcy or uses tactical insolvency?

See this speech in context