Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
63. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details on all of the engagement IDA has had with a company (details supplied) in 2022 in advance of its recent decision to propose 307 redundancies at its operations in Dundalk and west Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have expressed my disappointment as this recent announcement and I know the news came as a real shock to the staff working at PayPal's Dundalk and Blanchardstown offices, their families and communities. Job creation and sustainability of these roles is always at the forefront of Government policy, and unexpected news like this is never welcome. I have been advised that an enhanced redundancy package will be made available to those who find themselves in this awful position.
The proposed redundancies are part of a group level decision following a review of the company’s operational needs, resulting in some consolidation to different parts of the company in certain operational teams in Ireland. The proposed redundancies are not related to the business environment in Ireland. The company remains fully committed to both locations in Ireland and will continue to employ well over 2,000 employees after the proposed changes.
IDA has a strong relationship with both Irish and corporate management in PayPal and the Agency has been actively engaged with company executives in both Dundalk and Dublin throughout its time in Ireland. During 2021 and 2022 and prior to the company’s recent announcement, IDA engaged with the company on a number of fronts, with the overarching aim of maintaining the competitive position of PayPal’s Irish operation within the Group, deepening its operations in Ireland and potentially extending its mandate in Ireland into new functions and activities. These are all areas where IDA can support its client companies, and are typical areas of engagement with companies of PayPal’s size and scale. In particular, IDA would have brought to PayPal’s attention the Agency's supports for staff training, upskilling/reskilling, innovation and research and development activities. Ongoing and regular contact is a core feature of the IDA’s continuous support for such a large and significant employer in Ireland. IDA will continue to engage with Irish and corporate management in PayPal and provide all necessary support following the company’s recent announcement.
