Healthcare company MSD is to create 200 new jobs in Carlow, Cork and Tipperary.

The group is hiring for roles in Operations, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain.

The positions are expected to be filled by the end of the year.

The company already employs more than 2,000 people in five sites around the country.

Ger Carmody, MSD Associate Vice President, said "our state-of-the-art facilities in Carlow, Cork and Tipperary are leading the way in the development of new medicines, including MSD’s new treatments for cancer and hepatitis C, which are being manufactured in Ireland for the world market.

"Today, our Irish sites are involved in the production of over 60% of MSD’s global top 20 products," he added.

The jobs will be created in Carlow, Brinny in Co Cork and Ballydine in Co Tipperary.