Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is very disingenuous to question whether I or others support jobs. Of course we support investment in jobs in this country. I know what the "succeed in Ireland" programme is about. I think most people in this House know what it is about. I asked the Taoiseach specific questions and I believe I am entitled to a response to those. The contract ends on Monday. There are people employed by ConnectIreland. What are they going to do on Monday? Is there an issue in respect of their jobs? When did the issues in respect of the number of jobs that do not seem to reconcile between ConnectIreland and the IDA emerge?

The contract, as the Taoiseach has said, ended last year and it was continued. We were told it was continued so that there could be an orderly wind down. Were there similar disagreements or concerns last year? Are there additional liabilities or potential liabilities as a consequence of extending that time? The Department has been lobbied by people like, for example, John Moran, on ConnectIreland. It would be useful to know who is lobbying? Is there a review actually taking place? It is time sensitive in that this is closing down on Monday. The Taoiseach needs to address that issue.

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