asked the Minister of Labour if he will seek power to ensure that, in the process of monopolistic takeover, employees of long standing are not dismissed on short notice and on receipt of an ex-gratia payment.

The Contracts of Employment Act 1963 provides for minimum periods of notice on termination of employment, and the Redundancy Payments Act 1965 for lump-sum compensation on redundancy. Where a business is transferred and employees remain with the new employer continuity of employment is preserved in relation to rights under both Acts.