Bruton: Covidien job losses disappointing, R&D commitment heartening

Jobs and Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton has expressed disappointed at potential job losses at Covidien in Co Westmeath, but said the company's R&D commitment is encouraging.

Union representatives at the plant in Athlone are due to meet management at noon following the company's decision to move the manufacturing line of one of its medical devices out of Ireland.

SIPTU said staff had been told there would not be an immediate change, but that it would be phased in by the end of 2013.

Minister Bruton said: "It's disappointing to hear about any jobs being under threat, but this company is at least looking to the future in Ireland…

"The company's commitment to bring new R&D (research and development) capability to future-proof their business in Ireland is heartening."