Ireland's Pharmaceutical Sector
The pharmaceutical and Bio-pharma industry is undoubtedly Ireland’s most valuable and most stable sector, attracting some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Eight of the top ten global pharmaceutical companies are located in Ireland, with seven of the top ten selling medicines produced here. Ireland has become the world’s largest net exporter of pharmaceuticals worldwide. The dynamics of the industry are changing; Ireland is emerging as a leading location for bio-pharmaceutical companies due to the mix of start-ups, SME’S and large multinational companies located here. Industry leaders present in Ireland including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Genzyme, Merck, Elan, and Allergan have all recently invested in Ireland. This investment has facilitated rapid growth and development of the Biopharma industry.
In 2010 the sector exported products to the value of €50.8 billion, a 7.3% increase from in 2009. The pharmaceutical and chemical products account for over 50% of Irish exports, contributing more than €1 billion in corporation tax annually. The sector employs over 25,400 people directly and as many again indirectly.
The international research-based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland is a crucial hub of economic activity and plays a vital role in the health of Irish people. Over 50,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in the sector
Pharmaceutical production in Ireland currently generates nearly 50% of our exports, which was worth a record €56.2 billion in 2011.
For such a small country, Ireland punches well above its weight when it comes to pharmaceuticals and such a performance is sustaining our position as the largest net exporter of medicines in the world. Nearly €7 billion has been invested by the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland over the last decade. The replacement value of the investment by the pharmaceutical sector in the Irish economy is over €40 billion. Over half of the people employed by eth sector hold a third level qualification and work in a wide range of areas within the sector. Science based graduates are the lifeblood of the industry with opportunities in roles such as
- Chemists,
- Environmental scientists,
- Biotechnologist and Biochemists.
- In 2010 the Irish pharmaceutical and chemical sector exported products to the value of 50.8 billion, a 7.3% increase from 47.2 billion in 2009
- Ireland is the largest net exporter of Pharmaceuticals in the World.
- 8 of the top 10 global companies are based in Ireland.
- Very stable sector and are global leaders in Quality
- Ireland ranks 9th in the world for the level of high-tech exports as a percentage of manufacturing exports
- 25,300 people are employed in the Irish pharmachem sector, approx. 50% of which are third-level graduates.
- 25% of all PhD researchers in Irish industry are employed in the sector.
- Ireland’s educational systems ranks 9th in the world for higher education achievement.
- Ireland ranks 4th globally for the availability of skilled labour and openness to new ideas.
- Ireland’s labour market flexibility is ranked 9th in the world.
The Pharmaceutical Sector in Ireland may be divided into four main sub-sectors:
- Primary Pharmaceuticals (Chemical
- SecondaryPharmaceuticals (Final Dosage Form & Packaging)
- Diagnostics
- The pharmaceutical sector makes an enormous contribution to the generation of wealth in the Irish economy and has experienced significant growth in recent years as evidenced by the following statistics: €29.7 billion exports (40% of total manufacturing exports) Direct employment 17,000
- Largest payer of corporation tax
Jobs in the Pharmaceutical sector
Clearly, Ireland's pharmaceutical industry is on a roll that has been steadily building momentum, having attracted 13 of the world's top 15 pharmaceutical companies to set up operations here. Year-on-year job growth in the sector has been increasing by 1,000 annually for the past five years, with 24,500 now employed directly in the industry and many more employed by its suppliers