Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a topic of serious speculation in Clonmel and in south Tipperary in general, the future of more than 150 manufacturing jobs at Abbott in Clonmel. All these workers are on temporary contracts which are due to expire at the end of November. Understandably, given the nature of these jobs, the company will make a decision next month whether to extend these contracts of employment. Abbott has a total of 1,500 in Clonmel so 150 jobs represent a significant proportion of the workforce. I know the Minister will agree that these workers do an excellent job which is the reason this facility is the largest and most productive of all Abbott locations.

Deputy Seamus Healy and I ask the Minister to do all in his power to fight for those jobs. There is the possibility of further job losses next year but the company is refusing to speculate in this regard. I ask for clarification as to the future of those jobs. South Tipperary is very dependent on jobs in Abbott. It is a very good company which is well regarded in south Tipperary.

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