There are certain provisions in employment legislation which must be complied with. Under the terms of sections 9 and 12, respectively, of the Protection of Employment Act 1977, an employer who proposes to undertake a collective redundancy is obliged to consult the employees' representatives and give the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment written notice of his or her proposals at the earliest opportunity at least 30 days before the first dismissals take effect. The Protection of Employment Act provides for significant penalties in the event of non-compliance by an employer with the relevant provisions. Furthermore, there are provisions whereby employees can refer to a rights commissioner complaints regarding non-compliance with information and consultation provisions. In addition, there are statutory provisions relating to minimum notice and redundancy payments which have to be complied with.