214 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding the Global Pharmaceutical Centre of Excellence planned for Tralee, County Kerry; the negotiations that have taken place with those behind the project; the expected timeline for the development of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3105/11]

Representatives of the Pharmaceutical Centre of Excellence (GPCE) met with the Taoiseach on 22 December last. At this meeting the Taoiseach reiterated his interest in the concept and welcomed the submission of a Business Plan as a significant step forward. An expert analysis of this plan is now being undertaken by an enterprise agencies team led by IDA and involving representatives from Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and Shannon Development. The Taoiseach has requested that the Agency team provide analysis and advice to me by the end of the first quarter this year.