Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central (and Party Leader), Micheál Martin TD, has expressed his extreme disappointment at the announcement that 90 jobs will be lost at MSD in Brinny, County Cork.
Deputy Martin commented: “I am hugely disappointed to hear of the 90 job losses at the MSD pharmaceutical plant in Brinny. This is a huge blow and my thoughts are with the workers and their families. The former Schering Plough plant has been in Cork for over 30 years and in that time it has provided huge employment not just in Cork but throughout the country.
“I am calling on the Government to engage with the workers who are to lose their jobs with a view to providing them with the necessary support at this very difficult time. I also hope that the Minister for Enterprise along with the IDA can work to secure replacement positions for the 90 workers.
“MSD says there was insufficient demand for products made at their site, it is now essential that the relevant bodies like the IDA and the Department work with MSD to ensure that new products are researched and developed to provide new opportunities for the company.”
Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson, Michael McGrath TD, added that families throughout Cork will be affected by this announcement.
“This devastating news comes at a time when a lot of families will be looking towards Christmas. Every effort must be made to ensure the workers are given the best possible terms of redundancy and alternative employment is secured where possible.
“Over the past couple of years we have seen some high profile job losses in the pharmaceutical industry in Cork. This underlines the need to not become complacent about the strength of the industry and not take it for granted.”