Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have three very quick questions. I thank all the witnesses for attending. During the meeting that took place with Department officials last week, which was the first time they met with the trade unions, was it acknowledged there would be job losses? Was that acknowledged by officials at that meeting? Were the trade union representatives left with any hope as regards any changes or learnings to be taken from the first and second tenders?

I presume a major barrier to existing local employment services and jobs clubs even clubbing together to go for this first tender was the annual turnover requirement included in that tender. The witnesses also mentioned upfront costs. Given that many of these companies have charitable status, was the turnover requirement raised as an issue? While the Department has mentioned quality and reputation, companies are disqualified immediately if they do not meet that requirement and that is a gamble for many of them.