11th December 2020
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD said:
“This is really devastating news for those working in Viatris and their families. It has been an exceptionally difficult year for everyone. This will come as another blow, especially so close to Christmas, although I am assured that there will be no immediate reductions and that the majority of the workforce will remain employed until late 2022.
“I understand that this development is not related to Covid-19, but instead related to a global restructuring of the company. Despite this disappointing decision by the company, Viatris has made it clear that it remains fully committed to Ireland and even after this announcement they will employ more than 1,400 across the country, in Galway, Dublin and Cork.
“The Government will make all necessary State assistance available to the workers and we will work across Government, to help all workers to find new jobs and education and training opportunities when the reductions are made. I understand that the company will be offering their staff enhanced redundancy and have committed to working with the IDA to find an alternative for the site.
“I am very aware of how challenging a time it is for workers and how worried many people are about their future and the uncertainties that exist. However, as difficult as it is to appreciate now, Ireland is in a very strong position to recover and we will continue to work to attract new investment and new opportunities.”
ENDS
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