Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The IDA has recognised and anticipated this for many years. Part of the response was to shift into biopharmaceuticals, which is a growth area. There are horizon and sunset products in this sector and the trick for the IDA is to make sure we are at the horizon side. For example, Eli Lilly announced an investment of €330 million in a new facility at Kinsale, County Cork, creating 200 jobs. That is an exciting project and it will be particularly effective. Mylan, which will create 500 jobs in both Dublin and Galway is in the generics field. This is the first major generic drugs company to come to Ireland to establish a new niche within the pharmaceutical sector, which is robust and strong in the context of growth. Companies respond in different ways. A number have had products come off patent but have maintained their production and employment levels by introducing new product streams to replace them or by taking on new lines of production. Pfizer is determined to remain competitive in this area. It has a high quality plant and it is determined to remain competitive and support the employment it has but at a lower volume than previously. The challenge for the IDA - and it is what we have been doing - is to make sure we position ourselves to avail of the opportunities in the sector and that is borne out by the increasing employment numbers.

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