I raise the issue of the loss of 307 PayPal jobs, 172 in Dundalk and 135 in Ballycoolin, which will kick in from 27 June. What was the Government's engagement before this shocking news was broken this morning to workers and their families? Promises have been made by PayPal of good packages. This needs to be ensured. We still do not have clarity as to whether these jobs are being relocated. There needs to be continuing engagement to ensure supports and packages and there is a huge job to be done by the Government and IDA Ireland to engage with the company to ensure its commitment to Dundalk and Ireland.

I thank the Deputy. The news will have come as a shock to staff at PayPal's Dundalk and Blanchardstown offices and their families and communities. The Tánaiste has spoken directly with the PayPal leadership team and expressed his disappointment at the decision and the impact it will have on all its employees. The company has assured the Government that PayPal remains committed to Ireland and to the remaining 2,000 staff here whom it will continue to employ.

Consultation with staff will begin this Thursday. We understand that all 307 redundancies will be initially sought on a voluntary basis and that a good redundancy package will be made available. I am conscious of workers and their families receiving this news today. This is coming on top of a difficult couple of years for everyone and will be worrying.

The Government's goal is to ensure there is a job for everyone who wants one and secure, well-paid, sustainable jobs located in every county. We are working hard to reach this goal and have set ourselves the target of having 2.5 million people in work by 2024.