Seanad report: The handling of the recent redundancy rebate application from Irish Ferries would be watched closely from Government Buildings during the talks on social partnership, Joe O'Toole (Ind) said.

He asked if the Government had taken a view as to whether this was redundancy as defined under the Act. "Will Irish taxpayers be funding, refunding or otherwise supporting Irish Ferries in sacking Irish workers in order to replace them with other workers as a scam?"

Speaking in the debate on the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Bill, which was passed, Employment Minister of State Tony Killeen confirmed a redundancy rebate application had been made to the department last month.

His understanding was that Section 39 (16) of the 1967 Act might be the pertinent legislation. The Government was bound by the legal provisions in place. When it had received definitive legal advice, the Government would decide on how to proceed.

Feargal Quinn (Ind) said he would like to know if the Government had a position on the matter.

Paul Coghlan (FG) pressed the Minister to say when finality could be achieved with regard to the application.

Mr Killeen said he understood the implications of the application were being considered.