Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many Members of the House have expressed their deep sympathy. It must be every parent's worst nightmare to hear that one's child has been involved in such an horrific accident. Many people still do not know whether their loved ones have survived, because it is 8 a.m. in California and people are only waking up. I am glad the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has acted by putting a consular crisis team in place to operate on the ground. Obviously, so many young people of ours will be distraught when they hear what has happened to their friends and colleagues while they themselves were sleeping. We, rightfully, send our deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by this dreadful accident.

Senator Darragh O'Brien and many Members of the House mentioned the workers of Clerys. Senator Darragh O'Brien also referred to the meeting that took place today. He said that some people tried to hijack proceedings in order to capitalise on the misfortune of others. That is highly regrettable because most, if not all, parties will be doing everything to assist these workers. There is no doubt but that the treatment of the Clerys workers, which was a Dublin institution, as has been mentioned, has been appalling. The Department of Social Protection has assembled a team to meet and advise workers regarding their entitlements to jobseeker's benefits, secondary payments such as rent supplement and future options in respect of alternative employment, training and education. Moreover, I understand that arrangements have been made with SIPTU to use Liberty Hall as a venue to meet workers tomorrow. It is intended that this meeting will provide information to all workers, including those employed by concession holders. The precise format of the meeting has yet to be finalised, as workers may be involved in other meetings in Liberty Hall, but it is likely to involve the Department's team being made available for referral to individuals or small groups on the day, rather than a large presentation to all workers. This will better facilitate the delivery of specific information and claim-taking, as required. The Department also will advise, as appropriate, on the day with regard to queries arising in respect of redundancy and insolvency for the affected workers.

In addition, the representative of the liquidator has verbally advised the Department of Social Protection that all staff have been made redundant and P45 forms will issue this week. It is possible that one or two staff members from the payroll area may be retained to assist in the liquidation. I also understand that the liquidator will seek, on behalf of workers, payment from the insolvency payment scheme, IPS, in respect of unpaid wages, accrued but untaken leave and payment in lieu of statutory notice. It is intended that individual meetings will be held between the liquidator and the workers affected to determine on an individual basis the extent of the liabilities involved. The Department of Social Protection will deal promptly with individual applications submitted in respect of the IPS by the liquidator. The Department of Social Protection will also ensure that jobseeker's claims will not be delayed pending the liquidator resolving individual issues with regard to any leave accrued but untaken. This means that jobseeker's claims can be paid quickly, subject to the usual criteria, and reconciled, as required, at a future date. The Department is informing its network of local offices in the greater Dublin area of these developments to ensure that claims from affected workers are processed in a speedy and sensitive manner.

I agree with the comments of many Members that if legislation is necessary to give greater protection to workers in these instances, it must be done. I refer to people who have themselves been made redundant, like myself, and how one only realises the shock that happens at that particular time when one is least expecting it. I am glad the Department of Social Protection is doing everything possible to assist staff with entitlements.