Job Losses
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-16
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Alan Dillon (FG), Mayo

The Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, is making his way back from Strasbourg and he should be joining us shortly. I will take some of the priority questions in his absence but he will be here later in Question Time.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 27 April 2026 Covalen informed its employees of its intention to reduce its workforce. Covalen is a Dublin-based provider of customer experience, business process outsourcing and managed services, headquartered in Sandyford. The company provides services across customer support, operations and content moderation. Covalen forms part of the Cpl Group, an international talent solutions and outsourcing provider headquartered in Dublin, operating across multiple markets and sectors. The company operates within a global outsourcing model where activity levels are aligned to client demand. My understanding is that the company has been impacted by a shift in client demand, resulting in a reduction in the volume of services required and a requirement to adjust operations accordingly.
My foremost concern, and that of the Government, is the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time. IDA Ireland has established internal processes for managing potential job loss situations with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid or minimise any job losses.
In respect of impacted employees, IDA is proactively engaging across its client base to identify potential redeployment opportunities where there is a skills match. IDA has also facilitated connections between interested companies and company representatives, and this work is ongoing. IDA has been engaging at a senior level with the company to ensure it is aware of the full range of IDA supports available at this time. IDA remains in contact with the company regarding recent developments.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-06-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:50+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-16