Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I assure the Deputy we are doing everything we can. As I indicated in my reply, Aviva has been restructuring its operations in the United Kingdom and Europe. In other words, the proposals regarding its Irish operations are part of a broader trend. There has been a huge collapse in the company's business in the Irish market and a review is now in train. The company is seeking to come to terms with the difficult trading conditions that pertain in this country.

The IDA will support the company it any way it can but one must bear in mind that the IDA's chief remit relates to new opportunities, particularly those orientated towards export markets. For companies trading within the domestic economy, there is limited support available from the development agencies. We can support only certain types of activities and opportunities, and those are the ones the IDA will seek to influence.

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