Pfizer recently undertook a review of its worldwide manufacturing capabilities to improve its overall operational effectiveness. The Global Pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a number of challenges due to patent expiry and over-capacity in manufacturing and Pfizer is no exception. Greater efficiencies and competitiveness are continually being sought across all Pfizer’s sites in order to compete in the changing landscape. It is regrettable that this process has resulted in 150 job losses in Newbridge. The relevant State agencies will work closely to ensure the best possible outcome for the affected staff.
In relation to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, or EGF, the Managing Authority for that Fund is part of the Department of Education and Skills. That Authority monitors collective redundancies in order to assess whether the strict requirements and criteria can be met to make sustainable applications for EU co-financing of approved programmes of guidance, training, education and enterprise supports through the Fund. Ireland has made seven successful EGF applications to date since 2009, assisting over 9,760 redundant workers affected by the adverse impacts of globalisation. Applications are normally made where, inter alia, at least 500 workers are made redundant within prescribed reference periods.
In this context, my Department have been in touch with the EGF Managing Authority, who, in turn, have been in contact with IDA Ireland and contacts are being made with the Pfizer company seeking to ascertain in the first instance whether the conditions may exist whereby a sustainable application for EGF co-financing assistance can be progressed in due course, including potentially on a broader sector wide or exceptional circumstances basis, under the terms of the new EGF Regulation coming into force from 2014.
I am informed that the total EU funding available annually under the new funding EGF round 2014 – 2020 has been reduced by 70% and care must be taken to ensure that only those applications with the most favourable prospects of success in support of redundant workers are submitted by Member States.
