Effects on employment rights of break in employment

[baile123]

My husband has worked in the same company for the past 17 years. With the down turn in the economy their orders have dried up since Christmas. It is an American owned automotive plant. They have been told that the factory will closed for a week in February and a week in April without pay. They will I presume claim stamps during this time. Will this affect

1. His PRSI contributions
2. Redundancy entitlements if it should come to it (hopefully not)

Thanks for any help that can be provided