Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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15. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to secure jobs at the MBNA site in Carrick on Shannon, County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2894/14]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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The position regarding potential developments at the two operations which formerly formed part of the original MBNA/Bank of America facility in Carrick on Shannon is essentially unchanged over recent months.

The former MBNA Credit Card processing facility in Carrick-on-Shannon now comprises two operations. Firstly, a new operation called AvantCard was established following the purchase of part of Bank of America’s Credit Card portfolio by Apollo. This operation employs approximately 250 staff, who manage the Irish card customers. These staff transferred from Bank of America to AvantCard (Apollo) under the EU Transfer of Undertakings Regulations on March 13th 2013. This was a very positive development and provided more certainty regarding this part of the operation.

The second operation remains in the ownership of Bank of America and employs approximately 200 people who manage the UK credit card customer business. The process regarding the possible sale of this UK credit card business remains on-going. Bank of America continues to look for a buyer for this business.

On another positive note, Apollo has acquired the entire building in Carrick and has leased office space back to Bank of America. We welcome this investment in Carrick-on-Shannon by Apollo.

Government’s priority is that any decision taken by Bank of America will have minimal impact on employees at the Carrick on Shannon operation and ensure that jobs are maintained at the facility. Minister Bruton emphasised this when he met with Senior Bank of America Executives in their Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. IDA Ireland is in regular contact with Bank of America management in Dublin and with the parent company in the US to monitor developments. IDA met with senior executives of Apollo in London in September 2013 where the transfer of the Carrick facility and staff to Apollo, and further investment opportunities for the group in Ireland, were discussed.

IDA will remain in contact with the company and will continue to highlight the strengths of the Carrick operation to a broad range of potential investors.