Vol. 446 No. 4
117 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the total number of people employed in the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland; the numbers employed and revenue generated in companies with branded products compared to companies with generic products; his views on the contribution of the pharmaceutical industry to and the need to ensure the correct economic climate for continued development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2099/94]
There are about 7,500 people employed directly in the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. It is estimated that 4,000 and 1,200 people are employed in companies manufacturing branded and generic products respectively; a separate breakdown of revenue generated by such companies is not readily available.
The pharmaceutical industry in Ireland is providing highly paid stable employment with a high proportion of skilled and third level qualifications. The industry also provides considerable sub-supply business to other industries here and is a significant tax contributor to the Exchequer. The maintenance of a favourable economic climate is necessary to ensure the continued development of the sector.
