Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

As for the Labour Party's comments in respect of Dell, the Government, through Fianna Fáil policy, was responsible for bringing Dell to the mid-west more than 14 years ago and supported it through the provision of State aid worth €50 million over the years. It provided many viable and sustainable jobs for a long time. While it is a source of regret that these jobs have gone, the Government has reacted responsibly and proactively in creating a number of initiatives to try to reskill and upgrade the people who have found themselves displaced from jobs. I did not hear any constructive solutions or propositions coming from the Opposition parties when these people lost their jobs. The Tánaiste and the local Minister travelled to Texas to meet representatives of the corporation. Moreover, the www.túsnua.ie website has been created, as has a task force that is being led by Denis Brosnan, who is renowned nationally and internationally for bringing the Kerry Group to global status.

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