O'Keeffe to meet with multinationals

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation is to meet with multinationals operating in Ireland - to determine if any firms are facing problems.

It comes after Pfizer announced yesterday that it is to cut its Irish workforce by almost 800 people.

The pharmaceutical giant is to close operations in Loughbeg and Shanbally in Cork and in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin - along with reducing services in Newbridge in Kildare.

Minister Batt O'Keefe said that while the issue of Ireland's competitiveness did not play a role in Pfizer's decision, the Government is working to drive down the costs of energy and inputs for businesses.

He said he would be meeting with representatives of multinationals nationwide to ensure "that we are abreast of any difficulties they might be experiencing".

He said that Ireland had made "tremendous strides" in improving competitiveness over the past year and a half, and Government would continue to address this issue.