'Debenhams has assets too' - Protesting workers hit back at Tánaiste

Former Debenhams workers and supporters stage a rally outside the St Patrick's Street store in Cork City as the sit-in protest continued inside the store. Michelle Coughlan-Price on the picket. Picture: Larry Cummins

Former Debenhams staff have hit back at the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, who earlier suggested the retailer has no assets to fund its redundancy payments to staff.

Speaking on RTÉ radio, Mr Varadkar said the Debenhams closure differs to the collapse of Clerys, as the latter owned prime real estate in Dublin which could have been used to pay redundancy to its staff.