§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland about(a) the pension scheme, (b) redundancy payments and (c) outstanding holiday pay entitlements for employees of the IFI/Richardsons Plant in Belfast. [84750]
§ Mr. PearsonAs well as meeting with Richardsons' management and Unions representing the work force, I have written to the company shareholders, including the Irish Government, expressing my concern over the treatment of the work force. I have met with ICI and a representative of the Irish Government. Furthermore I hope to meet Mary Harney TD Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment shortly.
49WThe issues relating to pensions are complex. There are four different pension schemes and the shareholders have asked the trustees of each scheme to establish the facts and options to mitigate the impact on members. The shareholders are proposing to meet with the four pension fund trustees and while the government's influence in relation to the operation of private pension schemes may be limited, I will await the outcome of this meeting with interest.
In relation to redundancy payments, applications from 151 employees of Richardsons for statutory entitlement have been received by the Department for Employment and Learning. All claims will be handled and, where payable, payments processed within normal timescales.
Outstanding holiday pay owed to employees forms part of the debt owed to them by their former employer and is a matter for the liquidator.