Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Darragh O’Brien in raising the plight of the workers of Clerys, many of whom I met at lunchtime. Several issues were brought up with me which I said I would raise on the floor of the House today. Obviously, we have to deal with the bigger issue, a point already articulated by Senator Norris.

The workers asked me to raise two issues. First, Clerys, as of lunchtime today, was still selling gift vouchers online. Legislation governing gift vouchers is being brought forward in this House soon. It would be most appropriate that the cutting off of this type of practice be enshrined in that legislation.

The second issue brought to my attention concerned those who had paid deposits to Clerys. One person, as was outlined in the media over the past 24 hours, had paid a €5,000 deposit on furniture which has gone into the big black hole of the capitalists who have moved in on Clerys. These two issues need to be addressed. The first can be addressed by legislation which will come before us soon. The second must be addressed also, namely, where a company closes down, those who paid deposits must have their money returned immediately.