Pharmaceutical companies are unlikely to leave Ireland because it would take “years” to move the physical infrastructure and staff to another country. 

Pharmaceutical products make up much of Ireland’s trade surplus with the United State and any tariffs on their importation would mean significant difficulties for industry. 

Despite this, John O'Loughlin of PwC, who specialises in global trade, said he believes the pharmaceutical sector has a long-term future in Ireland. 

“To move a plant - the physical bricks and mortars - you’re looking at years,” he told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“To move a product or a supply chain…. You’re not looking at days, weeks or even months, you’re looking at years. 

“The regulatory environment is so tight with respect to this industry; the employment of people and everything that goes with that supply, isn’t something that’s very footloose. 

“It takes years to move.” 

There are currently over 90 pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland.

You can listen back to the interview here:

Main image: Capsule medicine pill production line. Picture by: Alamy.com