Wexford TD Calls For Government Intervention To Protect Dealz Jobs

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has called on the Government to support potential buyers of Dealz stores in Ireland amid growing concerns over the future of the retailer and hundreds of jobs nationwide.

The Wicklow-Wexford deputy raised the issue in the Dáil, highlighting the uncertainty facing 17 employees at the Dealz store in Gorey in the run-up to Christmas.

Concerns have intensified following moves by Poundland, the retailer's UK parent company, to appoint administrators.

Deputy Byrne said many of the more than 70 Dealz stores operating across Ireland appear to be viable businesses and urged the Government to engage with prospective buyers.

"I know in my own local store in Gorey where 17 people are employed, the people there are facing a lot of uncertainty in the run-up to Christmas," he told the Dáil.

He called on the Government to provide support to anyone interested in purchasing the Irish stores and safeguarding employment.

Responding, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers confirmed that the Minister for Enterprise had not received any notification of mass redundancies from Dealz or Poundland in Ireland.

He also stressed that strong protections are in place for workers under Irish employment law.

Poundland's owners, Gordon Brothers, are currently pursuing a sale of the struggling business, although no acceptable offer has yet been secured.

The developments have raised concerns for employees and their families, particularly with the busy Christmas shopping period approaching.