There is concern for the future of up to 180 jobs at pharmaceutical company Pfizer in Co Cork.
Staff at two of pharmacuitcal Pfizer's plants have been called to separate meetings in the morning amid concerns for the future of 180 jobs there.
It follows a 19% drop in profits in the first quarter of the year.
The drop was due mostly to falling global sales of its cholesterol drug Lipitor, which has come off patent in the United States and in Europe.
A number of Pfizer's drugs have now either come off patent or are about to do so, hitting sales of the drug and the company's revenues.
The ending of patents was expected to have an impact on its operations in this country.
Those concerns have been renewed with reports that the company is planning to shed up to 180 jobs at Little Island and Ringaskiddy in Co Cork.
Pfizer is one of the most successful and longest-established multi-nationals operating in this country.
It has invested more than €5.5 billion in Ireland and employs 4,000 people here.
A company spokeswoman said Pfizer does not comment on speculation, and any information would be shared first with its employees.
