Tesco Ireland has confirmed it is to transfer its IT operations overseas, but would not comment on reports that 50 redundancies will result.

The group is relocating its computer administrative department in a move that will synchronise its IT systems with those of its British and mainland European divisions.

But it declined to comment on speculation that 16 permanent staff are to be offered alternative positions or that 50 temporary workers will be let go when their contracts expire. The company said it had inherited its current IT infrastructure from Quinnsworth, which it acquired in 1997, and is now moving to merge it with its worldwide operations.

Tesco recently announced plans to recruit 1,500 staff when it opens new outlets and expands existing stores next year.

SIPTU, which represents a number of workers in Tesco's administrative section, has been told that no lay-offs will result from the restructuring.