Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
421. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports being put in place for those who may lose their jobs at a company (details supplied) following the announcement of significant job losses [16821/26]
View answerI note the recent announcement of redundancies at the company referred to, which I know means significant uncertainty for the employees concerned and their families. My priority now is to ensure that any affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports. My Department provides a comprehensive system of income supports and employment services to assist at this time.
Notification of collective redundancy from the company concerned was received by my Department on 17 February. An official from my Department's Employer Relations team made contact with the company on the next working day, so as to provide the affected staff with information on income, redundancy entitlements and employment supports. A meeting is taking place this week with the company to discuss how best to engage with those impacted.
A team from my Department stands ready 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 appropriate education, training and development options.
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, which I introduced in 2025, is available to those who lose their job and meet the eligibility conditions. This scheme provides a maximum weekly payment of €450 which will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.
When a person moves onto a jobseeker payment, the Intreo Employment Services team works with the individual, offering one to one support, focusing on what they need to assist them re-enter the workforce.
Workers affected should note that the easiest and quickest way to apply for a jobseeker's payment is online at MyWelfare.ie. which provides safe, convenient online access to social welfare services.
