Smith demands Government intervention to save Aviva jobs

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called on the Government to take a proactive role in saving the 2,000 jobs at risk at Aviva Insurance. Speaking during a ‘Topical Issues’ debate in the Dáil today, Deputy Smith accused the Government of taking a back seat as Aviva Insurance considers its future in Ireland.

Deputy Smith said:  “Aviva Insurance announced a review of its Irish operations last May, which should have been a clear indicator to the Government that jobs might be at risk.  But more than three months have passed and the Government has still failed to engage with management to convince them of the company’s future in Ireland and the benefits of retaining its highly profitable Irish operations.

“Despite revelations on RTE’s Prime Time this week, the Government is still taking a back seat and has said it will wait until the company completes its review before getting involved.  But in my view there is no sense in waiting until the decision is already made.  The company is currently in the process of reviewing its options, which in my view is the most opportune time for the Government to have  a positive input.

“Aviva Insurance employs 1,200 people in Dublin, 200 in Cork, 200 in Galway and additional staff in various branches throughout the country totalling 2,000 staff.  Ireland is the only European country in which Aviva has life insurance, general insurance and health insurance operations.  Aviva  posted positive half-year results in August 2011 and overall, the company reported a 5% increase in its operating profit, up to €1.5 billion and an increase of 21% in its operating profits in Europe to more than €600 million.

“Given these results, there must be scope for Aviva to retain its employment numbers.  It is important that the Government and the IDA exploit all opportunities presented by these positive figures present to retain jobs within the State.

“After I raised this issue in the Dáil today, the Minister of State Seán Sherlock agreed to raise the matter with the Jobs Minister Richard Bruton with a view to taking a more proactive role.  I welcome Minister Sherlock’s response, and I look forward to immediate action from Minister Bruton and his Department.”

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called on the Government to take a proactive role in saving the 2,000 jobs at risk at Aviva Insurance. Speaking during a ‘Topical Issues’ debate in the Dáil today, Deputy Smith accused the Government of taking a back seat as Aviva Insurance considers its future in Ireland.

Deputy Smith said:  “Aviva Insurance announced a review of its Irish operations last May, which should have been a clear indicator to the Government that jobs might be at risk.  But more than three months have passed and the Government has still failed to engage with management to convince them of the company’s future in Ireland and the benefits of retaining its highly profitable Irish operations.

“Despite revelations on RTE’s Prime Time this week, the Government is still taking a back seat and has said it will wait until the company completes its review before getting involved.  But in my view there is no sense in waiting until the decision is already made.  The company is currently in the process of reviewing its options, which in my view is the most opportune time for the Government to have  a positive input.

“Aviva Insurance employs 1,200 people in Dublin, 200 in Cork, 200 in Galway and additional staff in various branches throughout the country totalling 2,000 staff.  Ireland is the only European country in which Aviva has life insurance, general insurance and health insurance operations.  Aviva  posted positive half-year results in August 2011 and overall, the company reported a 5% increase in its operating profit, up to €1.5 billion and an increase of 21% in its operating profits in Europe to more than €600 million.

“Given these results, there must be scope for Aviva to retain its employment numbers.  It is important that the Government and the IDA exploit all opportunities presented by these positive figures present to retain jobs within the State.

“After I raised this issue in the Dáil today, the Minister of State Seán Sherlock agreed to raise the matter with the Jobs Minister Richard Bruton with a view to taking a more proactive role.  I welcome Minister Sherlock’s response, and I look forward to immediate action from Minister Bruton and his Department.”