Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 3

Written Answers - Pharmaceutical Industry.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

92 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the products being made by the Israeli pharmaceutical factory in Tipperary recently opened by the Minister for Defence; if any of the factory's products have a dual use; if any of its products or by-products can be used as component parts for disabling gases (details supplied); if such a gas is produced here; if so, the purpose thereof; if any export licences have been sought, given, or refused for this product; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5963/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Minister for Defence recently attended a press briefing to announce the purchase of the assets of the former Miza facility, Roscrea, County Tipperary, by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and the intention of the company to create some 300 jobs. This company will manufacture pharmaceutical products in Roscrea for the health and well-being of people and there is no basis for the suggestion that its products or by-products can be used as component parts for disabling gases. It is understood that the substance referred to by the Deputy is not either a gas or a product, but a small organic molecule liberated at nerve endings in the body as a neurotransmitter. Consequently, the issue of export licences does not arise.