I am always very concerned about job losses and the anxiety that the proposed modernisation of work practices at the company concerned creates for the workers involved. Any decision by the company to reduce its workforce is a day-to-day operational issue for the company.
I understand that the company has confirmed that detailed discussions with staff and their trade union representatives on the programme of cost saving measures will take place. The services of the State’s industrial relations machinery are, of course, available to assist the parties in this regard, if requested.
Issues in relation to the continuity of telecommunication services are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.