Written answers

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Enterprise Ireland Funding

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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218. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of assistance his Department or any agency in his Department has given to the operations of a company (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the current challenges facing the workforce there including an attempt to impose annualised hours and the continuation of a pay freeze over the past five years; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28305/14]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by Enterprise Ireland that the company in question has been paid a total of €3,060,344 since 1963. This figure includes funding of €1,203,285 in the last seven years, including substantial R&D funding. Enterprise Ireland continues to liaise with the company in regard to its development, particularly in relation to their innovation agenda, and to provide any assistance to the business that the agency can offer within its remit.

As regards the situation of the workforce, while I am aware of the challenges facing both the workforce and the company, nevertheless the issues raised are a matter for the parties concerned.

As the Deputy is aware, there was a Topical Issues debate on this issue, on Tuesday 24 June 2014, which was taken on my behalf by John Perry, T.D., Minister for Small Business.

As outlined during that debate, Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation. In the event that employees are concerned for the safety of their jobs, Ireland’s body of employments rights offers extensive protections to employees including the Protection of Employment Act 1977, which provides for a process of information and consultation between the employer and the employee representatives, the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005, which give employees entitlements to specified notice periods or payment in lieu of notice, and the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007.

However, it is important to remember that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of any such issues that arise lies ultimately with employers and workers and their respective representatives, as appropriate.

The services of the Labour Relations Commission are available to assist the parties, if requested.

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