Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when his attention was drawn to the plan by a company (details supplied) to shed up to 785 jobs at plants in this country; the discussions he has had with the management; the steps that are being taken to try to save these jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24357/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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While the takeover of Wyeth by Pfizer was only recently completed, IDA Ireland had maintained close contact with senior Pfizer and Wyeth personnel both in Ireland and in the company's corporate HQ in order to minimise the negative impact any rationalisation decisions could have on the Irish operations. IDA Ireland kept me informed of their discussions. Details of the impact on Pfizer's Irish operations, arising from its worldwide review, were advised to me on 17th May, 2010.

The new enlarged Pfizer reviewed all operations worldwide with a view to rationalising production and support operations. As a consequence of the review the company, on 18th May, announced 6,000 jobs cuts worldwide. The aim of the plan is to integrate the Pfizer and Wyeth manufacturing and supply organisations, which have significant overcapacity following the Pfizer takeover of Wyeth late last year.

I have asked the State agencies to do everything possible to provide training and re-employment services to the 275 workers losing their jobs in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and to work with Pfizer to save the other 510 jobs at risk due to the planned future sale or closure of plants in Cork and Dublin.

Although the company plans to cut its global headcount by 6,000, Pfizer remains a major multinational employer in Ireland, with more than 4,200 workers, in seven locations, involved in the manufacture of high-end life science products for world markets.

The loss of 275 jobs in Newbridge is not immediate. Between the end of this year and 2011, 135 jobs will go, with the remainder to be lost in 2013.

Likewise, any impact on jobs at the facilities in Loughbeg and Shanbally in Cork, and in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin, would occur in 2012 to 2014.

However, IDA is confident that a buyer will be found for at least some of these facilities, and IDA will continue to work closely with Pfizer to achieve that.

In the recent past, IDA and Pfizer have been successful with the sale of Pfizer's Animal Health plant in Sligo and its Loughbeg API plant, preserving jobs at both locations.

I know that Pfizer is planning further capital investments and new positions in its biotechnology operations in Ireland, and both IDA and the Government will do all they can to support the company's growth plans.

Although the job losses in Newbridge are devastating for the workers, their families and communities, it should be acknowledged that the company is retaining a workforce of 770 in the plant.