Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Is the Taoiseach aware of the plan to move 130 Irish jobs within the Vodafone group to Egypt and India? Does he share my concerns about the matter? According to the company's most recent financial report, published in March 2011, Vodafone made an annual profit of €123 million in Ireland. Does the Taoiseach agree that its decision to move these jobs offshore is very damaging for the staff of the company and the country as a whole? At a time when businesses and workers are struggling to keep their heads above water, the Irish economy is enduring one of the most prolonged recessions since the foundation of the State. Will the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Bruton, meet representatives of Vodafone? Will they ask them to reverse this decision? Will the Taoiseach stand up for the Communications Workers Union, the members of which are trying to protect their jobs and their livelihood? Does the Taoiseach agree that if he does not protect these jobs, it will make a mockery of the Government's jobs initiative plan or any other job creation projects?

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