The pharmaceutical industry represents a significant source of wealth to the Irish economy, with exports in the in the sector totaling €43.5 billion in 2007. This represents 49% of total Irish exports and continues to make it the primary growth sector in terms of exports. Employment in the pharmaceutical sector has increased by 56% over the last 10 years, and there is currently over 24,500 employees within the sector. Some indicators point to a tough couple of years ahead in the global pharmaceutical industry, as key players ‘hit a wall’ in terms of new products coming to market combined with the expiration of current patents. Some companies have announced plans to ‘streamline’ their workforce, with estimates in the region of 10%. It is uncertain how this will affect the employment market in Ireland. However, significant job creation in the pharmaceutical sector is expected in 2008, with recent announcements from major players. Ireland’s  move towards a more knowledge based economy, with significant investment in research and education will further attract pharmaceutical companies looking to setup research and development centres here.

INTERESTING LINKS

Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
Irish Pharmaceutical Union
Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association

Irish Medicines Board

IMS Global (Industry News Site)

In Pharmatechnologist.com ('Breaking News on Pharmaceutical Technology')

Inpharm.com (Industry News Site)

Drugresearcher.com (Drug Discovery News Site)

PharmaPortal.com