Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when minimum notice payment and payment of outstanding holiday pay will be made to the former employees of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25542/09]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that between March and May of this year, my Department has received 1,623 applications under the Insolvency Payments Scheme for Arrears of Wages, Holiday Pay and Minimum Notice on behalf of the former employees of Waterford Crystal. These claims are currently being processed. It has however been necessary to seek further information from the Receiver and a response is currently awaited. Pending receipt of all required information from the Receiver, it is hoped to complete processing and make payments in respect of these claims within the next three to four weeks.

I should point out that the impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies. Consequently, an increasing number of claims are being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section, with 9,509 new claims recorded from January 1 to May 31 - an increase of over 226% against the corresponding figure for this period in 2008. My officials endeavour to process all claims as quickly as possible and claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt.