Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
169. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action that has been taken to find replacement employers in view of the impending closure of two pharmaceutical companies in the Baldoyle industrial estate, Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32531/21]
View answerI was very disappointed to hear that Teva Pharmaceuticals plans to close its Sudocrem manufacturing plant in Baldoyle. This comes not long after the announcement by Viatris that it is to close one of its Baldoyle operations. Our primary concern is for the workers and families affected by this news. While I understand that both plants will remain operational until the end of 2022, it is nonetheless a devastating blow for those affected.
My Department has agreed a Job Loss Response Protocol with the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Education and Skills. The protocol puts in place actions to assist the workers, including welfare entitlements, job-search assistance and upskilling needs/opportunities. Every State support will be made available, when the time comes, to help workers transition and find new employment opportunities. I understand that members of the Dublin Mid-Leinster Employer Relations team have already engaged directly with Viatris to offer supports to staff being made redundant and are available to engage with Teva once a formal notification of redundancy is received. IDA Ireland is working with both companies at local and corporate level. The Agency will continue to provide support over coming months, including reviewing opportunities in terms of skills and retraining, as well as possibilities for the future use of the sites. The fact that both companies will continue to operate until the end of 2022 provides time in which to seek alternative investment for the area.
As the Deputy may be aware, plans are underway to hold a meeting with local representatives to discuss the job losses.
