Dáil debates

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

1:00 pm

Photo of Martin FerrisMartin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

I previously raised the issue of the awarding of a contract to Bord Gáis. I received a report from Bord Gáis and a letter from the Minister this morning on the issue. I thank him for his response, but my concerns remain. The wider point is that large lucrative contracts in several State companies have been awarded to firms overseas. I have no doubt that this will lead to significant job losses and the closure of long-standing Irish businesses dependant on these contracts. Does the Minister agree that there ought to be preferential treatment for Irish companies applying for these contracts? The current policy is definitely mitigating against the Government's stated objective of utilising existing public companies to maximise job creation opportunities. It does not make sense, therefore, that a big company should take over resources from State companies and brings in its own personnel. The consequence of such actions is that the dole queues are being added to.

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