Settlement letters have been sent to former Waterford Crystal workers following a long-running dispute over pensions.
The Department of Social Protection sent out almost 1,800 letters to former employees yesterday, as part of a €180 million settlement agreement.
The Waterford Crystal factory closed in 2009, with the loss of hundreds of jobs in the city.
Labour TD for Waterford Ciara Conway has described the issuing of letters as a great day for Waterford and those who fought relentlessly to secure the settlement.
"I appreciate there was a lot of frustration with the time frame involved in getting to this point but I am delighted that we are now nearing closure on this issue. There is a lot of money involved that will not only benefit the recipients and their families but will also make its way back into the economy providing a huge boost locally," Deputy Conway said.
The TD acknowledged Social Protection Minister Joan Burton and the Department of Social Welfare in Waterford for their efforts during the process.
