Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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461. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that the State has put in place to address the planned closure of a factory (details supplied) in Arklow, County Wicklow. [61832/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, last month Merck made the decision to wind down operations at its Arklow facility by the end of 2028 following a strategic portfolio product review. Other operations in Ireland are unaffected.

My foremost concern is for the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time. To this end, IDA Ireland has activated internal processes for responding to the potential and actual job loss situation with this client company. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company.

IDA Ireland is engaged with the company both at a site level in Arklow and at their German HQ in order to achieve the best outcome for the site. IDA will be exploring all options with the company.

IDA Ireland is also fully respectful of the consultation process that may be underway by any company and its employees/representatives following any announcement or proposed announcements.

In the event of job losses, the established protocols sees the IDA partnering with other support agencies at a local level to implement the Job Loss Protocol. IDA provides a coordinated response by relevant Government Departments and Agencies at a local level to support impacted employees in the event of a significant job loss announcement. However, this work may not formally commence until after the staff consultation period has been concluded. The types of supports/initiatives provided by local agencies can include 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.

In the meantime, all stakeholders are conscious that the company continues to operate with a significant workforce.

While on a recent visit to Wexford and Wicklow, I visited the Arklow site and met with local staff representatives. I can assure the Deputy that the State’s agencies will provide every support available to those affected by this decision, and all efforts will be made to explore options for the future use of the site.