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Ryan slams disgraceful behaviour by Liquidators

4 November, 2020 - by Patricia Ryan TD


Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Patricia Ryan, has slammed the behaviour of KPMG, the liquidators of Debenhams Ireland, as a disgrace.

Patricia said:

“The recent announcement from KPMG that they may walk away from the liquidation process by December 23rd is a disgrace. This not only leaves the workers out of pocket; it could leave the state out of pocket by up to €20 million in unpaid taxes.

Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission between the liquidator, Mandate Union and shop stewards from the 11 former Debenhams stores collapsed on Friday last. KPMG offered to pay workers some money to lift the picket, but this was almost half the previously rejected offer of €1 million.

Considerable money has been spent on rents and other costs by the liquidator, and it would be more beneficial for all concerned if they just gave the workers what they deserve. I have stood with the Debenhams workers in Newbridge on numerous occasions, they have been on the picket line for over 200 days. This could have been settled a long time ago if there was a fairer approach.

The Government must do all in its power to ensure that neither the workers nor the taxpayer are left with the bill. This afternoon I will be taking part in a cross party zoom call with Debenhams workers to decide a way forward. The government commissioned the Duffy Cahill Report in 2016 after the Clery’s debacle, and this must be implemented in full. We must do all in our power to ensure the Debenhams workers get what they are looking for, 2+2 is not too much to ask for,” she concluded.