This morning the European Court of Justice found in favour of the case against the State taken by the former Waterford Crystal workers on the losses to their pensions. The court found that offering retirees half of what they are entitled to is not going to wash. In response to this, what legislation does the Government intend to introduce to give proper protection to workers when they are made redundant, and in the Waterford Crystal case, abandoned?

I am aware of this morning’s ruling by the European Court of Justice on the Waterford Crystal pension schemes. The case follows a reference from the High Court to the European Court of Justice for its opinion on several questions concerning European law in this area. We have not yet had an opportunity to study the full judgment of the European Court of Justice. The ruling will now be the subject of a full hearing by the High Court in the coming months. Until then, the matter remains sub judice and we cannot comment further on it.

I welcome the European Court of Justice decision on the Waterford Crystal pensioners. I raised this issue with Deputy O’Dea on the need for legislation on defined benefits. Since raising this matter, several people have informed me they are taking redundancy settlements to protect their pensions’ futures. At the time when I raised this matter, the Taoiseach said it was an extremely complicated area and it will be some time before legislation comes to the House. This is a matter of urgency and I know there is great pressure on drafting legislation.

Thank you, Deputy.

Can we give this matter priority?

This case was at the European Court of Justice because the High Court referred it there for its opinion. The High Court must now hear the case. It is still under the High Court and is, therefore, sub judice. That said, we will of course be studying the judgment and seek advice on it.