Vol. 462 No. 8
242 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the number of multinational drug companies that have a base in Ireland; the benefit, if any, to the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5743/96]
There are 63 overseas owned pharmaceutical plants in Ireland employing over 8,000 people directly. The benefit to the economy of these plants is substantial, especially in terms of the provision of well-paid skilled and third level employment and tax revenue to the Exchequer. The annual wages bill for these companies is estimated at £150 million and Irish products-services purchased amount to an estimated £250 million per annum with substantial employment in supply businesses.
