Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)

I paid tribute to the Vita Cortex workers, as I am sure will all Members, as their dignified but determined campaign appears to have come to an end. When light was shone on this issue, it revealed that despite all the employment legislation that is in place, one cannot legislate for respect. I refer to the respect an employer should have for his or her employees, particularly those who have turned up for more than 40 years, daily in many cases, and who had a major part to play in the successful company that was Vita Cortex. I also wish to acknowledge the fast-tracking by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, of the statutory redundancy payments to the aforementioned workers and how the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, made available the services of the Labour Relations Commission. I am led to believe its services were instrumental in reaching this resolution. All Members will agree the dignified and determined campaign carried out by those workers has won them enormous respect and everyone wishes them well as they and their families attempt to return to a normal life.