Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 109: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if State supports were provided to a multinational company to help with the construction of a plant (details supplied) in County Cork; the impact recent announcements will have on this support; where State bodies who provided such supports now stand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21917/10]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 110: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if State supports were provided to a multinational company to help with the construction of a plant (details supplied) in County Cork; the impact recent announcements will have on this support; where State bodies who provided such supports now stand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21918/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 111, inclusive, together.

Pfizer's plan to cut its worldwide workforce by 6,000 in 14 sites over the next four years is aimed at integrating the Pfizer and Wyeth manufacturing and supply organizations, which have significant overcapacity following the Pfizer takeover of Wyeth late last year. After the completion of the reorganisation Pfizer will still be one of the largest and most strategic employers in Ireland, employing in excess of 4,000 people. It will continue to have manufacturing operations at 7 separate locations. I have asked the IDA to immediately start to explore the possibility of other major players in life science sector taking over the facilities.

While any impact on jobs at the facilities in Loughbeg and Shanbally in Cork, and in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin, are not due to occur until 2012 to 2014, IDA is confident that a buyer will be found for at least some of its facilities and will work closely with Pfizer in this regard. In the recent past IDA/Pfizer has been successful with the sale of its Animal Health (Fort Dodge) plant in Sligo and its Loughbeg API plant, preserving jobs at both locations. Pfizer was approved and paid grant assistance in respect of the Loughbeg facility. However, since this was some time ago, there is now no repayment liability attaching to the assistance paid. In respect of the facility in Shanbally, Cork, Pfizer was not paid grant assistance.

The Government will work to support Pfizer's growth plans in Ireland. They will secure further investment from Pfizer in Ireland, particularly in the Biopharma and services areas. I will keep the House informed of any significant developments.