Assurances sought for Covidien workers in Tullamore

Offaly TD Barry Cowen has called for assurances about the future of jobs at Covidien in Tullamore, two days after it was revealed that medical technology company Medtronic is to acquire the healthcare technology and medical supplies provider.

The $42.9bn deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, or early next year.

Speaking today (Tuesday) Deputy Cowen said that while on the face of it there doesn’t appear to be much change for workers on the ground in Tullamore, the workforce will need assurances.

“Medtronic is to move its executive headquarters to Ireland and I think this is a very positive announcement,” Deputy Cowen said. “Covidien employs over 500 people in Tullamore supporting hundreds of families and any adverse impact on jobs would have a devastating impact on the local economy.”

In the same statement Deputy Cowen expressed concern that the government has “taken its eye off the ball” and that instability in the pharma sector has led to job losses.

“Covidien has operated its manufacturing facility in Offaly for many years,” Deputy Cowen said.

“I visited the plant a number of weeks ago and I saw first-hand how valuable the company is to the local economy. Covidien is a major player in Tullamore and it is essential that the government and the relevant State agencies engage with management and its new owners to secure its future operations in the midlands.”