John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. On 25 April last, the European Court of Justice issued a ruling which contained a number of clarifications regarding transposition EU Directive 2008/94EC which concerns the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. This ruling was in response to a July 2011 referral from the High Court regarding proceedings brought by former workers at Waterford Crystal. The High Court had, in taking the view that interpretation of the provisions of directive 2008/94 was necessary in order for it to give its decision in this case, decided to stay the proceedings and to refer a number of questions to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling.

Following the European Court of Justice ruling, the matter will now revert to the High Court for consideration. Given this matter remains before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on any specific aspects of the case at this time.