Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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444. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the work his Department is engaging in regarding the planned closure of a facility (details supplied); if he or any agency under the aegis of his Department have identified alternative sources of employment for site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1515/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Following the announcement by Cardinal Health of its intention to cease operations at the Tullamore site in March 2026, IDA Ireland has been actively engaged with the company, including meetings with Tullamore leadership on-site, and meetings with senior corporate leaders and is actively exploring all avenues of opportunity for the site and employees impacted as a result of the announcement. IDA is also partnering with local agencies, to support the impacted employees. There is an established process of coordinated engagement by support agencies at a local level to provide supports to employees in consultation with the company. The types of supports/initiatives provided by local agencies has been communicated to the site leadership and may include some of the following:

•Outplacement employment support services and potential training opportunities may be provided/facilitated by the company and/or other providers (ETBs/Skillnet, etc..) to support impacted employees.

•Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site; and when individuals will be available, which can be shared with other potential employers.

• Recruitment opportunities through identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region.

•Marketing of the property solution, when appropriate through agents appointed by the company, and by IDA Ireland through its global office network.

•Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection's Intreo Office to impacted employees on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.

•Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees e.g. ETBs; Skillnet; Universities.

•Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEO’s and Enterprise Ireland.

IDA Ireland and all relevant local agencies will continue to support and assist the impacted employees. All stakeholders are conscious that the company continues to operate with a significant workforce and that job losses will happen on a phased basis whilst the site remains operational until March 2026.