Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made on the recruitment of a consultant to stem the loss of jobs from Ireland's pharmaceutical industry; the further communication he has had with the IDA and Pfizer to save the 480 jobs at Pfizer. [8562/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that IDA Ireland has recently decided to conduct a study of the pharmaceutical sector. The purpose is to give an overview on process development both locally and internationally. The study should define what supports could be put in place by way of infrastructure or activities which would enable manufacturing operations to engage in process development activities and add value to their activities. I understand that the agency expects that the necessary Consultant will be appointed by 30 March, 2007.

The agency continues to work closely with the company in question to identify suitable players that may be interested in taking over the company's existing operations. While it is the company's intention to close certain facilities over the next two years, I am encouraged by its track record whereby it has successfully sold on similar plants worldwide in the past.

Overall, the pharmaceutical area continues to be very important for Ireland and there has been significant growth in recent years. I am confident that despite intense worldwide competition, Ireland will continue to win significant projects in this sector.