The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, has described the loss of 170 jobs at Schering-Plough's Co Cork plant as very disappointing, and regretted the impact the move would have on workers and their families.
"The main priority and focus at this time is to ensure that all those losing their jobs are given the necessary assistance they may require," said Ms Harney, who is also Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
"The commitment of the company, together with the resources of FÁS and other State agencies, will be made available to assist them in finding alternative employment."
Fine Gael's spokesman on enterprise, trade and employment, Mr Phil Hogan TD, said Schering-Plough's decision to reduce its workforce was particularly disappointing given that the losses accrued in the the pharmaceutical sector. "This is further evidence of the lack of any coherent response from the Government to address Ireland's competitiveness challenge. Competition from the Far East and Eastern Europe is bringing a new industrial reality to indigenous manufacturing companies."
He called on the Tánaiste to fast-track the review of industrial policy to establish the extent of the jobs challenge.
Labour Party senator and representative for Cork South West, Mr Michael McCarthy, said: "Immediate action needs to be taken in Cork to stem the very worrying and detrimental job cuts trend which has been taking place in companies throughout the region," particularly following job cuts in Dairygold and other losses at ADM, Matsui and Flextronics.
"It is now imperative that the Tánaiste intervenes by establishing a task force to look into job creation in the region."
Green Party Cork South Central TD, Mr Dan Boyle, said the large-scale job losses in the pharmaceutical sector were very worrying, and required an immediate Government response.