Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Anybody who has read about or familiarised themselves with what is happening in the drug and biopharmaceutical industry would be acutely aware that many drugs were going off patent and research and development investment was difficult for many large corporations. It was quite obvious that when Pfizer purchased Wyeth there would be a global overcapacity. That was public knowledge and I recall reading about it in the Financial Times while these discussions were taking place on the sustainability of a number of wonder drugs that would soon go off patent.

That information was circulating and officials, particularly the chief executive of the IDA and those in the United States who service those clients, would have worked very closely with Pfizer and Wyeth for a considerable number of years. I took the opportunity, prior to the finalisation of the Pfizer takeover, to speak to the chief executive of the company. It was important to address a number of concerns we had in Ireland on how to sustain the maximum number of employees here, while we knew a decision on global numbers would be made at some stage. No definite timeframe was given. Following the takeover by Pfizer, a team was put together by the company and I recall meeting some of the team when they came to Ireland to see the Wyeth and Pfizer facilities.

The board decision was made by Pfizer at the end of the day. As I indicated, the IDA advised that 6,000 positions were to be lost from 33,000 at risk and warned of the impact this would have on Ireland. Despite the reorganisation of the company, Pfizer will continue to be a significant strategic employer in Ireland, with more than 4,000 people working in the company.

On the specific issue of the steps taken to save those jobs, during the takeover discussions and since, the IDA, the Minister and officials from the Department have been engaging in discussions and supports for the overall presence of Pfizer in this country. We will continue to engage and support the company in this country. In the context of the sale of the three facilities, the IDA is of the view that in working closely with Pfizer it is confident of finding a buyer over the period, which is 2012 to 2014. We will continue to support those people working in Pfizer and we will work with the company to alleviate the impact of the global decision coming as a consequence of overcapacity in the industry because of so many drugs coming off patent and the investment needs of the companies in research and development.

We will continue to work for the constituents of the Deputy and all the people affected by this global decision. The IDA and other support services will look to support them.

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