Vol. 573 No. 2
57 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in respect of the series of job announcements made by her on 18 April 2002 in respect of Galway, Limerick and Birr; when it is expected that the balance of the jobs will be created; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24483/03]
On 18 April 2002, I announced that Churchill Insurance Group plc, UK was to create 600 new jobs over the next five years in Galway. IDA Ireland has informed me that the company currently employs about 121 people. In September 2003, the Royal Bank of Scotland acquired Churchill Insurance Group plc and the bank is currently reviewing all its operations.
On 18 April 2002, I also announced that Thomson NETg, one of the worlds leading providers of learning solutions to the corporate and academic markets, was to expand its e-learning product development and innovation centre operation in Limerick with the creation of 360 new jobs, bringing total employment at Thomson NETg in Ireland to 700 by the end of 2005. As part of the expansion, the company agreed with IDA Ireland that up to 80 of the new jobs would be located in Birr, County Offaly.
IDA Ireland has informed me that, due to the adverse economic climate, particularly in the e-learning sector, NETg has decided that it will not now undertake the establishment of an operation in Birr nor the expansion of its Limerick facility.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 35.
