Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Company Bankruptcy .
- Worker protection in company bankruptcies 2 speeches
Mitchell sought details of EEC protections for workers when a company goes bankrupt; Fitzgerald offered Commission information and said Ireland would take part in discussions on a proposed directive.
Jim Mitchell, Garrett Fitzgerald
- Protection when factories close without bankruptcy 4 speeches
Mitchell urged action on factory closures without bankruptcy or adequate notice, citing Ferenka. Fitzgerald called this a separate issue and invited him to submit a question.
Jim Mitchell, Garrett Fitzgerald
- Interim protection during bankruptcy directive talks 8 speeches
Mitchell pressed for urgent protection for workers affected by bankruptcies while EEC legislation was pending, then asked when the directive might emerge. Fitzgerald said he would keep the House informed and provide an update in the near future.
Jim Mitchell, Garrett Fitzgerald, Joseph Brennan
asked the Minister for Labour if for each EEC country he will give details of legislative protection for workers where a company goes bankrupt, and if he has any proposals in mind to bring Ireland into line with EEC practice.
Comment on this
: Information on the position in the member countries, which has been compiled by the Commission of the European Communities, is available and I can arrange to send it to the Deputy if he wishes. The relevant draft directive, recently prepared by the Commission, will now be examined by the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Council of Ministers. Ireland will be represented at all the stages of this examination. We shall be participating in the discussions on the assumption that a directive will emerge in due course.
Comment on this
: Is due consideration also being given to cases of factories which were not bankrupt closing down where the interests of the employees have not been sufficiently protected?
Comment on this
: That is a separate issue, but I have given the answer as far as the Deputy's question applies at present.
Comment on this
: Would the Minister accept that, in view of the Ferenka situation, a problem has arisen where factories other than those which go bankrupt, close without giving the minimum notice, and that the situation calls for urgent action by the Government?
Comment on this
: That is a completely different question. If the Deputy puts it down to me I will give him the answer.
Comment on this
: A number of factories have gone bankrupt. The Minister had to tell the House recently the number of firms which closed since he became Minister. Will he take urgent action to protect the interests of those workers pending EEC legislation?
Comment on this
: My concern will always be for the workers in this situation, but I think I have outlined fairly clearly the position as it is. We will be participating in the discussions on the assumption that a directive will emerge in due course.
