Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will respond to concerns raised by staff in a company (details supplied) which is moving 300 jobs from Leopardstown, Dublin; the amount of State support, both financial and otherwise, in tabular form, provided to the company since it set up here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25617/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The position is that Vodafone tendered for its Mobile Customer Service work earlier this year. Rigney Dolphin was the incumbent provider, with 290 full-time equivalent positions at Vodafone's offices in Dundalk and Dublin. However, a French company, Teleperformance, won the new tender; this company has operations in Newry, Co. Down. I understand that this change has arisen as a result of Vodafone's review of customer care and the necessity for the company to provide services as cost effectively as possible. As you can appreciate, the market for these types of contract is extremely competitive.

Some time ago, I met with Vodafone Ireland and the company has confirmed it is likely that this work will move to the Teleperformance site in Newry. I have been assured by Vodafone that the transfer of service will observe the Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employees (European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003) Regulations.

Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin entered a consultation process with employee representatives. Vodafone has had extensive dialogue with the Communications Workers Union as part of this process and everyone affected has been offered a job. Terms are in place for those employees wishing to avail of voluntary redundancy. I understand that most points have now been agreed with the Union. As always, the State's industrial relations machinery, including the Labour Relations Commission, is available to assist in this process, if requested. While the situation that has arisen on this occasion is regrettable, it is nevertheless reflective of the competitive forces that affect the sector concerned. In relation to State support, IDA did not provide any financial assistance to bring the Vodafone operation to Ireland and has not provided any subsequent financial support to the company.