THE long wait is finally coming to an end for Waterford Crystal workers, as 1,251 lump sum pension payments amounting to €34 million have been issued.

Deputy Ciara Conway confirmed €34 million has been issued by the Department of Social Protection today and should be in the workers’ bank accounts by Friday.

Roughly 200 further cases are also being processed by the Department, with payments expected in these cases by early next week.

The Deputy imagines the news will bring a collective sigh of relief to the workers. Adding, “It is a brilliant day for all the workers and their families.”