Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The Minister stated a decision will be made shortly. Could he give us a clearer indication as to when he expects a decision to be made by the administrators on the bids? The Minister, in his reply, did not refer to the fact that there are 1,400 people working in Quinn Insurance and up to 6,000 people working in the Quinn Group in a region where it is the largest employer. In terms of employment protection and competition in the insurance market, it is critical that Quinn Insurance continues to be viable and provide jobs. Has any contact been made by the administrators with the Minister's Department on the measures which it could provide regarding the deal, in particular for job protection?

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