Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising this important issue. The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and I are aware of the situation in HCL Technologies that has arisen following the decision by Eir last month to bring a contract that had been outsourced by the company back in-house again. I understand that 950 people are employed at HCL Technologies in the operation of this contract. Of this number, I have been informed that 300 staff based in Limerick and Cork can transfer to Eir under their existing terms and conditions. It is also our understanding that the remaining Dublin-based staff will be given an option to transfer to a regional location. Staff who do not wish to transfer will be offered a redundancy package. Negotiations concerning these redundancies and transfer arrangements are continuing between the company and the trade union representing the workers of HCL Technologies.

There is no doubt that the uncertainty created by these developments is clearly disappointing for the affected employees and their families, and our thoughts are with them. The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection is aware of the situation, and I understand arrangements have been made by Intreo staff to be on site to assist these workers who find themselves in this situation. For any employees who will effectively become redundant on account of this contract transfer, the Government will be doing its utmost to help them in transition and find new employment opportunities. The IDA will also continue to engage with HCL Technologies to explore the potential for alternative investment and job growth.

While the situation in respect of HCL Technologies and Eir is regrettable, the overall pattern of job creation in Ireland continues to move in a very positive direction. The year 2017, for example, was another record year for the State in terms of foreign direct investment and employment, with continued strong employment growth expected for 2018. The labour market as a whole in the country is also performing very well, with more people in employment in the State than ever before. While I appreciate fully that these trends may offer little consolation to the affected workers in HCL Technologies, they do at least reflect our buoyant economy and suggest that new employment opportunities will continue to be generated throughout the country, including Dublin.

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