Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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297. To ask the Minister for Social Protection considering the recent definitive victory by the Waterford Crystal workers against the Government in the European Court of Justice and the potential costs that will now accrue to the State, if she has reviewed the advice to contest the case in the manner the Government did; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32981/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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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 the 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 Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling. Following the ECJ ruling, the matter will now revert to the High Court for consideration. Given this matter remains before the courts it would not be appropriate that I comment further on any matters which may relate to this case at this time.