The loss of 440 jobs in Baldoyle in north Dublin is "devastating news" for workers and their families in the run-up to Christmas, the Tánaiste has said.
He was speaking following the announcement of the closure of the Viatris manufacturing facility in Baldoyle.
It's part of a major restructuring of the international healthcare company.
The majority of the workers impacted are expected to remain employed until late 2022.
The company's remaining 1,400 jobs in Cork, Dublin and Galway are said to be secure.
Really devastating news for workers in Viatris’ Baldoyle facility today. Government on hand to help those affected – job opportunities, retraining, education, income support. Company has assured us the 1,400 other jobs in Galway, Dublin and Cork are secure.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) December 11, 2020
Reacting to the news, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: "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.
"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."
Local Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan, meanwhile, says the fallout from the global restructuring of the company comes at a bad time.
He said: "I think the timing - right before Christmas, in a year that's been incredibly tough and challenging for everyone - is very poor form on the company's part.
"It's hard to understand why they'd choose to do this two weeks before Christmas, in this of all years."
Viatris says it is also closing sites in the US, Puerto Rico and India as part of its restructuring.
The firm - which produces generic medicines - was formed as a result of the recent merger of Mylan and Upjohn.
