Statement by the Taoiseach regarding the closure of Boston Scientific in Tullamore in 2009

The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., said this afternoon that he regretted the loss of Boston Scientific from Tullamore, following its decision to consolidate manufacturing at its facility in Cork in 2009.

"This commercial decision was as a direct result of the acquisition of Boston Scientific's fluid management business by Avista Capital Partners, who now plan to transfer the manufacturing of these products to their facility in New York State", said the Taoiseach.

Boston Scientific will complete its current contract with Avista Capital Partners at the end of March 2009. This particular product line affected represents the core business and about one-third of the Tullamore plant output.

The Taoiseach said he understands from Boston Scientific that they plan to relocate the remainder of the Tullamore production to their facility in Cork. This move is expected to be completed next year.

Boston Scientific assured the Taoiseach that they intend to work with their staff in Tullamore and with Government agencies to explore ways in which the highly skilled workforce and modern facility in the Midlands can best be marketed. The company have also advised that opportunities for redeployment of certain staff to Boston Scientific's remaining facilities in Ireland will also be available.

"Boston Scientific has given excellent employment in Tullamore for many years and, while today's commercial decision is a blow for the Midlands, I am confident that given the highly skilled and motivated workforce in Tullamore that we will see new investment attracted to the region. I can assure people that the Government and its agencies, including the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, are already working to attract such an investment", concluded the Taoiseach.

End
20 August 2008