Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I join with Deputy McCormack in extending my sympathies to the family of the late Noel Bourke. We think of his family today. I also think of a former colleague of mine, the former councillor Jim Finucane from Kerry, who passed away in recent days. People who serve at local government level are the essence of public service and they do our democracies, parties and traditions proud. We think of their families today.

I thank the Deputy for raising the really important matter of Fastway, receivership and jobs in the sector, which is of huge concern in Offaly, to put it mildly. My thoughts, along with those of the Deputy and everybody in this House, are with all of those affected by the receivership. This news is extremely concerning. The Deputy has given us tangible examples of the human impact of this issue. It is hugely concerning for all involved. While there is never a good time for something like this to happen, it comes at a particularly difficult time of the year. The Deputy has made a number of very important points on behalf of his constituents. I very much respect that. I will not comment too much for fear of affecting processes that are in place or that could be put in place in due course. I would not want to cut across the independence of such processes. However, I will make sure that the Deputy's comments are brought directly to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Dillon, who is here with me today. I will make sure that all of those matters are considered in an appropriate manner.

Receivership is a long-standing legal mechanism for the enforcement of a security. It is important to note that receivers are independent in the execution of their roles and neither the Government nor a Minister can intervene in such matters. The Department of Social Protection is now engaging directly with the receivers and the affected employees to provide them with necessary information and support at this time. There are robust protections in place for employees of an insolvent employer and it is important that these are made clear to everybody involved. The receivers submitted a collective redundancy notification to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on 31 October. I understand the receivers are currently undertaking the 30-day consultation with the employees' representatives required by law. The State will guarantee eligible employees statutory redundancy and certain outstanding wage entitlements via the redundancy and insolvency payment schemes. These schemes pay impacted workers a maximum of €600 per week for up to eight weeks where arrears are due in wages, holiday pay or minimum notice entitlements. Other creditors, including self-employed contractors, should make contact with the receivers in order to submit proof of debt and to file a claim regarding unpaid moneys. I just wanted to put those issues on the record of the Dáil.

The Government, the Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, will continue to monitor this very closely. We will continue to work with Deputy McCormack and the other Oireachtas representatives from Offaly in the time ahead.

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