Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I welcome the indication that IDA Ireland is in discussion with Abbott management in both California and Clonmel regarding future additional mandates for the facility. I wish IDA Ireland well in its endeavours. I also welcome the confirmation that the Minister will be in contact with company management in the coming days in regard to its future plans for Clonmel. As Deputy Tom Hayes observed, the company is hugely important to the economic and business life not only of Clonmel and south Tipperary but of the entire region. The plant at Clonmel is the largest manufacturing operation in the south-east region. I hope the intervention by IDA Ireland and by the Minister will ensure that existing levels of employment are maintained and will facilitate future mandates for the facility which necessitate an increased workforce.

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