Deputy Liz McManus has received a reply to her request for information from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, relating to the grant aid provided to the Allergan company.

Deputy McManus said: “Allergan recently announced the closure of its plant in Arklow and the loss of 360 jobs. I strongly believe that any grant aid given to the company should be fully reimbursed in jobs and training in Arklow.

“I’ve now been told that the IDA provided €3.7m in grants to the company. All I’m now being told is that ‘discussions will now take place about grant liabilities’. That is not satisfactory. We should have much clearer safeguards in place.

“I welcome the commitment from the Minister that ‘IDA Ireland is currently in negotiations with two investors with regard to relocating and expanding in the agency’s Arklow Business Park. In addition, Servier Ireland Industries Limited, which is based in Arklow, is actively recruiting at present’.

“However, Arklow needs firm commitments on jobs, and vague promises are not enough.”