Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will ensure that all available supports are made available to the employees of a company (details supplied) affected by the company's announcement to close their Irish operations in June 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3463/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This is a commercial decision made by the company, but obviously my thoughts are with the workers affected and their families at this difficult time.

Under the Protection of Employment Act 1977, employers must comply with a number of obligations when proposing collective redundancies, including the requirement to consult and provide information to employees and their representatives. This consultation period must last at least 30 days and employers may not issue notices of redundancy during this period.

Immediately upon hearing of the proposed closures my Department put in place an emergency response plan.

The first priority for my Department is to ensure that the affected employees quickly receive access to all income supports that may be available to them. In parallel, the Department will provide support to them in relation to accessing new job opportunities, or, where required, accessing appropriate education and training and development options.

My Department contacted representatives of the company on 20th January 2023 to make them aware of the income and employment support services available and to request a suitable contact person to liaise with.

A team from my Department is available to meet with the workforce, virtually or in person, to ensure speedy access to income supports and to support them into alternative employment, or to access other appropriate options.

My Department’s dedicated Employer Relations team will also continue its ongoing engagement with the retail sector to address recruitment challenges and opportunities. Through that engagement we know that retailers have found it difficult to recruit staff in what is a very tight labour market, and therefore there may be opportunities elsewhere for the staff impacted by the company’s decision to cease operations in the State.

I trust this clarifies matters.