The job losses at Aviva were a stark reminder of the competitiveness challenge facing the Government, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today.
He said it was an awful day for Aviva’s employees.
The IDA, said Mr Kenny, had been instructed by Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton to work with the company on the issue, adding the Minister had also met with the company’s local and regional and European managers.
Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Kenny said he understood that the jobs were being outsourced and based in Ireland.
Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin said he was disappointed that the Taoiseach had not engaged with the company. It was "a very difficult and shattering morning" for Aviva’s employees, he added.
The loss of 950 jobs was a devastating blow to the families, workers, surrounding communities and the economy generally, he said.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said Aviva was a profitable company and a big player in the Irish market.
Its chief executive was paid a salary of £1.8 million (€2 million), he said, adding the entitlements of employees were being set aside to sustain the excesses of elites.