Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I wish to stay on the same topic but to focus on the plight, in particular, of the 785 people who have been told this evening they are to lose their jobs at locations in Cork, Kildare and Dún Laoghaire, and on the worries of suppliers to Pfizer and those contracted to it. There are probably another 1,500 to 2,000 jobs in the wider economy that will be at risk as a result of this decision.

When did the Government become aware these jobs were to go? Can the Tánaiste tell us what the Government did to try to save these jobs? She said the reason the jobs are being lost is because of the purchase between Pfizer and Wyeth. What meetings took place between Ministers and Pfizer following that purchase? What discussions took place between the State agencies and Pfizer-Wyeth? When did the Government become aware there might be jobs at risk in this country as a result of that purchase? Will the Tánaiste outline for the House what steps were taken by Government to try to save the jobs?

Do I understand from the Tánaiste's reply to Deputy Kenny the Government is now throwing in the towel on these jobs or will any action be taken, even at this late stage, to try to retrieve at least some of them? What plans does any Minister – or the Government - have to have discussions with Pfizer about this decision in order to see if something can be done to try to rescue at least part of the employment?

What did the Tánaiste mean when she said the plants can be sold? What does that mean in employment terms? To whom can they be sold? Is the Tánaiste aware of a potential purchaser? What are the implications of that for the people who are worried this evening that they will lose their jobs?

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