Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

While I share Senator Harris's view on the media, today I regretfully must criticise the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coughlan, on yet another totally separate issue. I am not being either fanatical or controversial. I am merely representing two constituents who visited my office yesterday who both were made redundant on 18 November last and who have no sign or wind of ever receiving their redundancy payments. According to the Tánaiste's website — it is her responsibility and the buck stops with her — redundancy payments will be paid within six to eight weeks. When I telephoned the Department I was told it will be the middle of July before these persons receive their redundancy payments. That is outrageous. This gentlemen has been to the bank and tried to freeze his mortgage, and he has been told he cannot. We have bailed out the banks with NAMA. On two accounts, I am livid. It is about morality and how we are representing people. Is this Government able to represent the people, care for them and look after them? I want the Leader to bring the Minister in here to answer both of these questions, especially the one on the website. I want a clear and definitive answer as to when these persons will be paid their redundancy. They cannot live. They do not have food for the table.