Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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12. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps which are being taken to support job creation in the Athlone area following the announcement of significant job losses by Alkermes Ltd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24299/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In light of reductions in manufacturing demand for certain pharmaceutical products that have become generic or are nearing the end of their commercial life, Alkermes made the decision recently to review resources at their Athlone facility. This review has led the company to conclude that they need to reduce the number of staff in Athlone by between 100 and 130 staff, from their present workforce of 420, to take place over a two-year period, as these older product lines are phased out.

The company anticipate that a reduction in staff numbers will be achieved through a combination of natural attrition, voluntary redundancy and compulsory redundancy. Favourable redundancy terms and outplacement services will be provided to affected employees and discussed as part of the consultation process.

I am advised that the Athlone facility will continue to play a strategic part in Alkermes' future business, and significant investment is planned for the site over the next number of years which will allow Alkermes to focus primarily on the manufacture of newer, advanced pharmaceutical product lines. World-class development and manufacturing activities at the plant will remain robust and it will continue producing global pharmaceutical products.

At present there are eighteen IDA Ireland supported companies in Westmeath employing 2,444 people, and 7 IDA supported companies in Roscommon employing 896 (end 2012). There was a net increase of 222 jobs in IDA supported companies in Westmeath in 2012 and a net increase of 53 jobs in IDA supported companies in Roscommon last year. Significant foreign companies which have established themselves in the Athlone area in relatively recent years include The NPD Group, American Medical Systems, PPD Inc, Kinetic Concepts Inc, Teleflex Medical, GTRI and AXA Assistance. Many of these companies have announced ambitious plans to expand their employment levels over the next few years.

IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the Region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the area. IDA is also working with FAS/SOLAS to provide guidance in developing the skill sets needed by those already in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.

IDA has invested in the physical infrastructure required to attract FDI to County Westmeath. This included investing €3.5m in a quality flagship Business Park in Athlone, which is now an integral part of the agency's international marketing programme. That park has planning permission for different sized units and has all necessary infrastructure, including ducting for broadband.

The Action Plan for Jobs 2013 recognises that the indigenous micro-enterprise and small business sector is central to economic recovery, job creation and the future prosperity of the Irish economy. In pursuit of this, Enterprise Ireland are very active in support of Indigenous Irish companies in the area. In 2012, 1,119 people were employed on a full time basis in 59 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Roscommon and 2,352 people were employed on a full time basis in 97 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Co. Westmeath. That agency continues to operate arrange of initiatives to assist their client companies in the region.

The County Enterprise boards in both Roscommon and Westmeath assist the development of Micro-Enterprises with a wide range of supports and have been very active in both counties with a wide range of initiatives to assist their clients.

I am confident that the on-going efforts of the development agencies will continue to enhance job creation in the Athlone area.