The IE Professional #119 9/17/97 ======================================================================= THE IE PROFESSIONAL _______________________________________________________________________ Issue No.119 September 17, 1997 Circulation: 9,609 ======================================================================= http://www.emigrant.ie/ The IE Professional is a free weekly newsletter from the publishers of the Irish Emigrant. Please forward copies to anyone who you think may be interested. They can automatically add themselves to the distribution by sending mail to with a subject of "subscribe". CONTENTS BUSINESS NEWS: - GFT Software overall winner in Sun Microsystems Countdown Challenge - Bull survey charts Information Technology trends in Northern Ireland - Trinity Venture Fund makes IR12m available to small/medium firms - Greencore and IAWS are possible bidders for Dalgety divisions - Greencore's US associate becomes number one sugar processor in the US - ABT and Forbairt to tackle public sector procurement market - Bank of Ireland to offer constant Internet banking - BOC gases wins Guinness contract worth IR5m annually - Inflation of 1% continues to surprise analysts - First-half profits climb 50% at Independent Newspapers - Computer Products adding 250 jobs in Youghal - Banta Global Turnkey and Entropy Create a European Network - New industry-led initiative for software sector in Shannon region - Powerscreen set to acquire Moffett Engineering - First National Building Society to go public - Indigenous exports to grow by 11% to reach IR7.8b - Northern Ireland is being considered for IBM 500-job call centre - Goldman Sachs invests IR4.6m in Point Information Systems - Shannon Development target of 23,000 new jobs by year 2000 - Iona Technologies opens UK office; expands French reseller network - Thermo King Corporation sold to Ingersoll-Rand for $2.65bn APPOINTMENTS: - New engineering and quality manager with MSL - New Seagate management structure reflects company's global growth - Iona announces UK country manager FINANCIAL: - Exchange rates - Dublin closing prices - Leading Companies - Leading Multinationals in Ireland - stock prices ACADEMIC: - Professor Mary McAleese is Fianna Fail presidential nominee - Death of Dr George Baird - Foundation of Ireland's first migraine clinic - New findings in retinal disease research - University status for Peace Research Centre at UL - Sixth Congress of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology - Students from deprived backgrounds encouraged to attend college - Bereavement information package made available by USI - Increase in Northern school leavers considering studying near home JOB ADVERTISEMENTS: - Stratus, Hardware Design and Product Support Group, Dublin: Development Manager, Product Development Engineers - IBM Ireland Ltd, Insurance Software Development Centre: IT/Insurance Analyst Client/Server Developers Host Systems Developer - Silicon & Software Systems, Dublin: International Business Development (US Based) - RTE, Dublin; Broadcast Engineers - Eli Lilly S.A., Kinsale, Co. Cork: IT Professional - Dundalk Regional Technical College: Head of Department, Professional, Financial and Management Studies - CPC Foods (Ireland) Ltd., Dublin: Analyst Programmer; Systems Operator - Boston Scientific Ireland Ltd., Galway: Positions in Product Development, Engineering, Operations and Human Resources - Selc Ireland Limited, Belmullet, Co. Mayo: Laboratory Assistant (Electronic) > > > > > > > > > BUSINESS NEWS < < < < < < < < < GFT SOFTWARE OVERALL WINNER IN SUN MICROSYSTEMS COUNTDOWN CHALLENGE - GFT Software has been declared the overall winner of the Sun Microsystems JAVA2000 Countdown Challenge. The company invited entrants to develop software for an Irish countdown to 2000 AD. According to the adjudicators, GFT "captured the essence of 2000 AD in a very dynamic way using cleverly developed Java Applets and very appealing visual images". The entrants added a very personal touch, challenging viewers to think about the future and what it really means for them. The result (for those with Java-enabled browsers) can be viewed at . GFT's winning team, Martin Brady, Wolfram Kaiser, Hagen Kuehn, John Keenan and John McGuinness, receive a Waterford Crystal trophy, IR1,000 in cash and a selection of Java merchandise. GFT Software is a German company which specialises in the development of new generation solutions including client/server technologies, graphical user interface and object oriented software. It set up its European development offices in Dublin in 1996 and now employs 26 people. The company has worked with Java software since its introduction by Sun Microsystems in 1995. BULL SURVEY CHARTS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN NORTHERN IRELAND - Spending on information technology is increasing yet again in the North as companies take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the Internet, according to the second annual IT survey by Bull Information Systems. The survey was compiled from responses received from top organisations across all industry sectors. Of companies interviewed 28% classed their IT spend as growing rapidly - up from 18% in 1996 - with particularly strong growth experienced by the food/drink/tobacco and retail sectors. A further 67% are maintaining or slowly growing their IT spend and only 5.8% of companies see their IT spend declining, down from 6.3% last year. A total of 49% of organisations surveyed offer Internet access to their employees. The services sector is particularly strong here at 68%, followed by retail at 54% and food/drink/tobacco and utilities at 50%. The survey found that 35% of all companies polled have a homepage on the Internet, either a local page or a link into a company group web site, while 24% of companies involved in the survey are deploying a private company intranet. One area of concern which the survey highlighted was the overall absence of effective security measures by the companies. Tom Proctor, the manager of Bull Northern Ireland, commented that the survey results pointed to the increasing strategic importance of IT and the emerging importance of the Internet to the North's business community. TRINITY VENTURE FUND MAKES IR12M AVAILABLE TO SMALL/MEDIUM FIRMS - Minister for Employment, Trade and Enterprise Mary Harney announced the creation of a new venture capital fund which will cater for small and medium sized companies with investments ranging from IR0.25m to IR1.0m, "with particular focus on early stage and developing companies". The Trinity Venture Fund has been made possible through the combined efforts of AIB, the investment company Frank Reihill & Co. and the State agency Forbairt. The fund, totalling IR12m, will be managed by the investment company, which has contributed IR2m. AIB has added IR4m to this and a further IR6m will be made available from the EU's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF monies will be managed by Forbairt. GREENCORE AND IAWS ARE POSSIBLE BIDDERS FOR DALGETY DIVISIONS - Market analysts have suggested that two other Irish companies may be interested in bidding for two divisions of the UK food group Dalgety which have just been offered for sale. Last week Michael Hanrahan, chairman of the Kerry Group, confirmed his company's interest in the sale and those speculating on other entrants to the competition have added Greencore and IAWS to the list. Should the Kerry Group proceed, it is expected to fund its bid through a rights issue. It would appear that Greencore, on the other hand will be faced with a choice between a UK acquisition or increasing its stake in the American company Imperial Holly. GREENCORE'S US ASSOCIATE BECOMES NUMBER ONE SUGAR PROCESSOR IN THE US - Imperial Holly, the American sugar company in which Greencore had a 27% share, has successfully acquired one of its competitors, Savannah Foods, for the sum of $556m. The enlarged company will be the largest sugar processor in the US with 31% of the market. The acquisition has diluted Greencore's holding in the company to 16% and at the current share price, it would cost Greencore in excess of IR60m to regain its former level of ownership. ABT AND FORBAIRT TO TACKLE PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT MARKET - A drive to place a larger share of the public sector market in the hands of indigenous companies has been launched jointly by Forbairt and An Bord Trachtala (ABT). The market is worth approximately IR3.5bn, specific details of which have been published by ABT in a special directory. The initiative will run for three years and will be funded by the EU. It will be driven by a five-person task force consisting of specialists from purchasing, general management, marketing and consultancy backgrounds. BANK OF IRELAND TO OFFER CONSTANT INTERNET BANKING - Bank of Ireland is looking for 1,000 customers to sign up for interactive banking. The bank ran a pilot project earlier this year with a select group of customers, providing them with a range of account enquiry services via the Internet. Given the success of that project, the plan now is to broaden the service and make it interactive so that customers can conduct their affairs anytime of the day or night and on all 365 days of the year. The bank is also soliciting advice and assistance from its customers on how the service should develop. Meanwhile the bank's international services division is to provide consultancy to a Croatian bank, Privedna Banka Zagreb, which is planning a restructuring. BOC GASES WINS GUINNESS CONTRACT WORTH IR5M ANNUALLY - BOC Gases has been awarded an eight-year contract, worth IR5m annually, to provide its gases and equipment to 10,500 Guinness outlets throughout Ireland. The deal is expected to create 30 extra jobs at the company and will involve an investment of IR15m in capital equipment over the next two years. BOC has said its service will result in "publicans serving consistent, superior pints of draught Guinness products, including an improved creamy head on stout and extra sparkle in ales and lagers". INFLATION OF 1% CONTINUES TO SURPRISE ANALYSTS - Despite expectations to the contrary, the latest cost of living figures from the Central Statistics Office show the rate of inflation at 1%, the lowest in the EU. The figures show that consumer prices have not suffered the knock-on effects of either the punt/sterling situation or the strong economic growth. Analysts reacted immediately to the news by again revising down their full-year forecasts for inflation. FIRST-HALF PROFITS CLIMB 50% AT INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS - Independent Newspapers has announced a 50% increase in its pre-tax profits to IR39m for the first-half of the year. The better than expected performance was explained by a first-time contribution from its New Zealand acquisition Wilson & Horton and a 20% growth in domestic profits. The company declared an interim dividend of 7.58p, an increase of 13%. COMPUTER PRODUCTS ADDING 250 JOBS IN YOUGHAL - Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney has announced a IR12.3m IDA Ireland-supported development at Computer Products, which will lead to the creation of 250 new jobs. Welcoming the news Ms Harney said the expansion "will bring employment in the Irish operation, Computer Products Ltd, Youghal, Co. Cork, to more than 550 people over the next three years". Recruitment of the first new employees will commence immediately. According to the Tanaiste, "The Irish operation ... has become Europe's leading producer of power conversion products for demanding applications in the communications market". Sixty of the current 300 staff employed in Youghal are involved in R&D, and in addition to its worldwide R&D facility the plant has sole responsibility for European sales. It has also established itself as the group's world centre for advanced manufacturing, using surface mount technology. BANTA GLOBAL TURNKEY AND ENTROPY CREATE A EUROPEAN NETWORK - Dublin-based Entropy has completed the implementation of an Intranet solution based on NT Server, Internet Information Server and Microsoft Exchange Server at the Banta Global Turnkey Group, a market leader in printing and digital imaging. The goal was to facilitate better communications between Banta's different locations and its many customers, creating what is being called an Xtranet. Banta has distribution facilities in Ireland, Scotland, The Netherlands, France and the U.S. As it has direct network connections to many of its customers for data downloads and to access operational information, it was vital that the solution would integrate with a diverse range of messaging solutions (cc:Mail, SMTP, MS Mail, POP3) and that the environment could be well secured. The combination of Exchange Server and FireWall-1 on NT was considered the ideal solution. NEW INDUSTRY-LED INITIATIVE FOR SOFTWARE SECTOR IN SHANNON REGION - ShannonSoft - a new, industry-led initiative for the software sector in the Shannon region - will be launched at the Limerick Inn Hotel on Wednesday, September 24 to an audience of software practitioners from throughout the region. The initiative will focus on issues common to the wide range of software-based activities in the region, including recruitment and retention of software staff, software quality, contracting and sub-supply options, software teams and their management, and the application of software technologies. The initiative covers a broad cross section of organisations. Software companies are clearly included as well as those companies which embed software within their products and services, companies which apply information technology to their business process and companies which supply support products and services. The subscription for corporate membership of ShannonSoft is IR100 per year regardless of the size of the organisation. Members participate in discussions, generate proposals and ideas and reap the benefits of operating within a software region. For further information on ShannonSoft please contact: ShannonSoft, The Innovation Centre, National Technological Park, Limerick. Email: , Tel: +353-61-338118 Ext. 4109, Fax: +353-61-338065. POWERSCREEN SET TO ACQUIRE MOFFETT ENGINEERING - The Dungannon-based engineering group, Powerscreen, is believed to be close to concluding negotiations to acquire Dundalk-based Moffett Engineering. Moffett employs approximately 275 people in the manufacture of its "Moffett Mounty" truck-mounted forklifts and specialist tractors in Clontibret, Co. Monaghan, and in Dundalk. It exports more than half its output, with the UK, the US and Continental Europe being its largest markets. The purchase price for the company is expected to be in the region of IR25m. FIRST NATIONAL BUILDING SOCIETY TO GO PUBLIC - Ireland's oldest building society, First National Building Society, has brought months of speculation to an end by announcing today that it plans to seek a stock exchange flotation. The entire process could take up to 18 months. The announcement was made by the society at the presentation of its interim results. It reported a 13% rise in pre-tax profits to IR10.9m, compared to the same period in the previous year. While exact details of the allocation of shares to its members has not yet been disclosed, the bank says its expects 220,000 members to receive shares. INDIGENOUS EXPORTS TO GROW BY 11% TO REACH IR7.8B - Ireland's total merchandise exports reached a record IR30bn last year, an increase of 8.1% over 1995, according to An Bord Trachtala's annual report which was published last week. Indigenous companies made a significant contribution to this performance, generating direct exports worth an estimated IR7bn, exclusive of food and drinks - a rise of 9% on 1995. This rate is well above the European average and also ahead of world trade growth of 4%. On a per capita basis, Ireland is now the third largest exporter in the world after Singapore and Belgium. For the first four months of this year, the agency estimates that indigenous export growth at 6.2% outperformed the growth in other exports by 3.2%. ABT is forecasting an 11% growth in indigenous exports for 1997. Speaking at the launch of the report, ABT's chief executive Oliver Tattan said that Ireland's continued economic growth was primarily determined by the international marketplace. He added, "international marketing excellence is our single most valuable resource in a global marketplace where differentiation is critical". The agency outlined its continuing strategy as increasing the overall export performance of indigenous companies by developing the Continental European market, while consolidating market share in Britain and exploiting opportunities in other fast-growing global regions. NORTHERN IRELAND IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR IBM 500-JOB CALL CENTRE - Northern Ireland is believed to be one of the locations being considered by IBM for a new customer call centre. The company is in the process of setting up a similar operation in Dublin. This new centre is expected to provide jobs for 500 people. The other bidders for the project are believed to be a number of English cities. GOLDMAN SACHS INVESTS IR4.6M IN POINT INFORMATION SYSTEMS - The merchant bank Goldman Sachs has invested IR4.6m in the Irish division of a German software company, Point Information Systems. The company, which develops software for the burgeoning teleservice sector, was set up in Germany in 1989. It employs 100 people worldwide, more than half of these in its Dublin office. According to the company's chief executive, Paul Basson, the injection of capital will be used to advance its move into the North American market. In return for its investment, Goldman Sachs now owns a 10% share of the company with an option to increase this to 50% over the next ten years. SHANNON DEVELOPMENT TARGET OF 23,000 NEW JOBS BY YEAR 2000 - Shannon Development has revealed ambitious plans for the region in its 1996 annual report. It forecasts that 23,000 new jobs will be created in the area by the turn of the century. Tourism is expected to contribute 4,500 of this total, while it expects 2,500 extra jobs in manufacturing and 4,500 in services, a total of 11,500. Growth in these sectors normally has a knock-on effect in that local services will match this number in job creation. Looking at 1996, the agency assisted in the creation of 1,700 new jobs which produced a net figure of 640 after taking account of job losses in the region. Some 221 of its client companies received grant assistance of IR18m. So far this year, indigenous companies have created 865 new jobs and 549 jobs have been created in the Shannon Free Zone. IONA TECHNOLOGIES OPENS UK OFFICE; EXPANDS FRENCH RESELLER NETWORK - Iona Technologies has announced a significant expansion of its European sales operations with the opening of a UK sales office in Reading which will offer direct sales support to its UK customers. Technical support will continue to be provided by the company from its European support base in Dublin. In addition to Dublin and Reading, Iona also has offices in Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC, Frankfurt, Perth and Hong Kong. The company has also expanded its reseller network in France, adding five new companies - 3S Softwares & Systems Speciaux, Fastcase, IMA Informatique, Objectif Technologie and Soleri Cigel. THERMO KING CORPORATION SOLD TO INGERSOLL-RAND FOR $2.65BN - Ingersoll-Rand has purchased the Thermo King Corporation from the Westinghouse Electrical Corporation for a cost of $2.65bn. The deal is still subject to US Government approval which is expected in the next two months. Jim Watson, President of Thermo King Corporation, assured staff worldwide that the future looks very secure for the company, saying in an open letter to staff: "Ingersoll-Rand is a positive step for Thermo King. I am very excited about our future together". Thermo King Europe's headquarters are in Mervue, Galway where it employs 700, with a further 1,500 in Dublin, Shannon, Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany and France. > > > > > > > > > APPOINTMENTS < < < < < < < < < NEW ENGINEERING AND QUALITY MANAGER WITH MSL - Mike Stenson has been appointed engineering and quality manager with Manufacturers' Services Ltd. Mr Stenson joined MSL from AST in Limerick. MSL was set up in 1994 to provide manufacturing out-sourcing services for the electronics sector. In Ireland, it acquired the former Omnitron plant in Athlone and the company now employs 300 there. NEW SEAGATE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE REFLECTS COMPANY'S GLOBAL GROWTH - Last week the chairman and chief executive officer of Seagate Technology, Alan Shugart, announced the appointment of Stephen J. Luczo to the new role of president and chief executive officer at the company. Mr Luczo joined the company in 1993, spearheaded the growth of its software business which commenced in 1994 and more recently, combined his role as president and chairman of the board for Seagate Software with that of executive vice-president of corporate development. He is to retain his position as head of the software division. Commenting on the appointment, Mr Shugart said the appointment was a response to the rapid expansion which the company has experienced over the past five years. This growth has seen the company's annual revenues treble from $3bn to nearly $9bn. Ireland has benefited enormously from this growth as the company now has plants in Derry, Limavady and Clonmel, with another planned for Ringaskiddy. IONA ANNOUNCES UK COUNTRY MANAGER - Iona Technologies has announced the appointment of Howard Finnegan as UK country manager, with specific responsibility for sales. Mr Finnegan previously worked for Object Design in the UK. > > > > > > > > > FINANCIAL < < < < < < < < < - Exchange Rates - Wednesday midday: IRISH POUND Sep 17 Sep 10 Sterling 93.52 94.09 US Dollar 1.4983 1.4942 Deutschmark 2.6494 2.6896 French franc 8.9007 9.0432 Dutch guilder 2.9834 3.0295 Belgian franc 54.67 55.53 Danish krone 10.0863 10.2396 Italian lira 2586.44 2626.28 Greek Drachma 418.57 423.26 Spanish peseta 223.56 226.86 Portuguese escudo 269.24 272.99 Japanese yen 179.93 178.06 Swiss franc 2.1775 2.2123 Swedish krona 11.4016 11.6455 Norwegian krone 11.7445 11.0880 Finnish markka 7.9414 8.0457 Austrian schilling 18.65 18.93 Hong Kong dollar 11.6042 11.5721 Canadian dollar 2.0804 2.0684 Australian dollar 2.0862 2.0536 European Currency Unit 1.3517 1.3712 Dublin Interbank Market: - One Month, Offer=6. 3/16 Bid=6. 1/16 - DUBLIN PRICES (Wednesday Closing) - Leading Companies: Sep 17 Sep 10 97 Hi 97 Lo AIB 565.0 570.0 640.0 391.0 Avonmore 280.0 280.0 315.0 175.0 Bank of Ireland 778 0 776 0 849.0 535.0 CRH 724.0 732.0 756.0 608.0 Elan Corporation 3211.0 3201.0 3377.0 1946.0 Fitzwilton 47.0 48.0 58.5 47.0 Fyffes 92.0 92.0 130.0 89.0 Golden Vale 79.0 79.0 81.0 53.0 Greencore 335.0 326.0 392.0 312.5 Independent 385.0 410.0 460.0 300.0 Irish Life 342.0 334.0 375.0 333.75 Irish Permanent 607.0 610.0 673.0 485.0 Ivernia 97.0 97.0 115.0 78.0 Kerry Group 745.0 740.0 680 .0 558.0 Mackies Eng 27.0 27.0 165 .0 30.75 Powerscreen 750.0 745.5 745.5 577.0 Ryanair 360.0 365.0 400.0 316.0 Smurfit Group 219.0 215.0 235.0 153.75 Waterford Wedgwood 88.0 91.0 95.0 76.0 ISEQ Overall Index 3581.12 3592.59 3725.99 1813.06 - Leading Multinationals in Ireland - closing prices Tuesday: Latest 52-Wk Lo 52-Wk Hi Latest 52-Wk Lo 52-Wk Hi 3COM 48.062 24.000 81.375 Hadco 62.500 26.875 75.625 AST 5.312 3.938 6.375 HewPac 67.812 42.500 71.438 AT&T 44.875 30.750 45.062 IBM 99.688 60.750 109.375 AbbttL 63.438 47.375 68.938 Infrmx 9.562 6.562 31.125 AldSig 43.562 30.625 47.062 Intel 95.812 43.812 102.000 Amdhl 12.375 8.125 14.000 Iona 15.375 12.250 27.000 Analog 34.062 18.625 36.250 Isocor 3.125 1.875 8.000 APC 27.000 13.250 31.500 J&J 58.812 47.125 66.500 AppleC 21.938 12.750 29.562 Lilly 113.438 60.875 117.625 Bausch 39.500 32.500 47.875 Lctite 60.875 44.250 61.000 Baxter 54.125 39.750 60.250 Lucent 77.688 39.000 90.688 BectnD 49.312 37.000 55.625 Madge 7.875 4.500 16.125 BosSci 64.000 41.000 78.438 Mlnkrdt 36.312 34.750 45.875 BMyers 81.750 47.125 88.625 Merck 96.938 67.500 108.125 BriTel 395.00s 392.50s 469.50s Micsft 136.375 65.438 150.750 Cambrg 37.125 21.250 38.938 Mtrola 68.750 44.125 90.500 CBT 77.750 38.125 79.750 NorTel 102.938 52.250 107.188 Compaq 69.375 24.000 70.000 Oracle 39.562 22.406 42.125 CmpPrd 29.750 13.750 33.438 Pfizer 60.000 36.750 64.625 CRBard 35.000 25.875 39.000 Philips 74.500 32.750 84.000 Creatv 22.000 4.000 25.250 Quantm 36.688 8.125 37.875 Cybex 28.438 14.000 30.500 RRDnly 34.750 29.375 41.750 Dell 92.375 18.719 93.250 SchrPl 51.938 29.125 54.750 DigitE 42.188 25.000 47.812 Seagte 36.312 25.375 56.250 Emersn 56.188 43.375 60.375 SunMic 50.812 25.500 53.312 Ericsn 43.937 24.730 46.000 Symntc 24.750 9.875 25.750 Gway2k 32.562 28.500 46.188 Tellab 52.578 32.000 65.000 GenEle 68.688 43.250 74.625 Visio 37.875 18.125 39.875 Gillet 83.625 66.750 106.250 Xilinx 53.812 30.875 58.500 s=Sterling > > > > > > > > > ACADEMIC NEWS < < < < < < < < < PROFESSOR MARY MCALEESE IS FIANNA FAIL PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE - Mary McAleese Professor of Law and pro-vice-chancellor of Queen's University, Belfast, was today selected as the Fianna Fail nominee for the presidency. The party's TDs and senators preferred Professor McAleese to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds by 62 votes to 48. Michael O'Kennedy TD was eliminated in the first round of voting and it would appear that at least 20 of the 22 people who had supported him, transferred their votes to Professor McAleese. This brings to four the number of candidates who will contest the election on October 30. Mrs Rosemary Scallon (formerly known as Dana) obtained the support of the necessary four county councils. The Labour Party has nominated Adi Roche, the anti-nuclear campaigner, and the Fine Gael nominee is MEP Mary Banotti. DEATH OF DR GEORGE BAIRD - Dr George Baird, one of the country's senior science academics, has died. Born in Belfast in 1939, Dr Baird had a career spanning almost four decades holding a variety of high level offices, and was well respected within the world of academia. Educated at Queen's University, he then studied in America before returning to UCD as a senior lecturer, then Dean of the Faculty of Science. On leaving Dublin in 1984, Dr Baird became a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and joined Queen's University as Senior Administrator. During his years at QUB he was involved in numerous governing bodies including the Academic Planning Group, the Committee of Deans and the Academic Council. FOUNDATION OF IRELAND'S FIRST MIGRAINE CLINIC - The research results of a clinical psychologist at Trinity College Dublin may have helped in founding Ireland's first migraine clinic. Psychologist Elizabeth Lawlor pioneered a series of drug free studies centring on stress management techniques. Her findings suggest that prevention really is better than cure and have encouraged the Irish Migraine Association to apply for Government funding for the new clinic which will carry out non-drug treatment on sufferers. NEW FINDINGS IN RETINAL DISEASE RESEARCH - A Trinity College Research project has been making significant inroads into Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a retinal disease which can lead to blindness and deafness. A decade ago the disease was a mystery but, due to the pioneering research practices carried out by the Ocular Genetics Team at Trinity, a defective gene has been detected which contributes to the disease. As progress continues to be made by the Trinity group into a treatment for the condition the success of its endeavours has encouraged UCD and UCC to set up similar studies. UNIVERSITY STATUS FOR PEACE RESEARCH CENTRE AT UL - Full university status has been granted to the Chair of Peace and Co-operation Studies and the Peace Research Centre at the University of Limerick. Set up three years ago as a pilot study, the project has gained recognition and is now affiliated to the Department of Government and Society at UL's College of Humanities. SIXTH CONGRESS OF EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY - The Sixth Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology was held at University College Dublin last week. Attending the four-day conference were 3,300 delegates representing 65 countries who heard over 500 speakers addressing issues such as HIV and skin cancer. STUDENTS FROM DEPRIVED BACKGROUNDS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND COLLEGE - The USI has launched a new initiative to encourage school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider third level education. The project, initially targeted at the southern region, will eventually be undertaken countrywide. The idea is for university students to revisit their old schools, talking to pupils and discussing university life: "to prove to second-level students that college is attainable, that a trade can open new doors for them and that there is more to life than dole, drugs and crime", says USI spokesperson, Ian Lucey. At present students from disadvantaged backgrounds are severely underrepresented in Ireland's third-level institutions. BEREAVEMENT INFORMATION PACKAGE MADE AVAILABLE BY USI - The USI has launched a bereavement information package which is available to student representatives and student counsellors. The "Bereavement Protocol" package is a handbook for counsellors, containing advice on how to help students deal with grief and loss. INCREASE IN NORTHERN SCHOOL LEAVERS CONSIDERING STUDYING NEAR HOME - The University of Ulster held the second in a series of three open days last Wednesday and reported a record number of students attending to find out more about the wide range of courses on offer at its three campuses, Coleraine, Magee and Jordanstown. "We feel we need to give students information when they initially start thinking about university", says UU Schools Liaison Officer, Elaine Wilson. The increase in those attending the open days is perhaps in direct response to the revised college fees payment scheme which the British Government has proposed. This may deter some students from applying to universities in Britain, as the cost effectiveness of living nearer home could prove more enticing, simultaneously increasing competition for places in the North. > > > > > > > > > JOB ADVERTISEMENTS < < < < < < < < < STRATUS Stratus Computer Inc., founded in 1980, offers the world's broadest range of continuously available computer platforms, applications solutions, middleware and professional services for critical on-line operations. Globally the company has revenues in excess of $609 million and employs 2,400, people including 300 in a state of the art manufacturing facility in Dublin. As part of its ongoing commitment to technical excellence and to world class customer service, Stratus has established a hardware design and product support group in Dublin. MERC Partners has been retained to assist in the recruitment of the following key positions: DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (Ref: IEP97612) Reporting to the Director of Hardware Engineering, you will manage a number of design teams working on fault tolerant system design projects. You will have a minimum of 3 years' management experience, ideally gained in a leading edge design environment, and will be capable of co-ordinating/integrating the work of hardware and software engineers to meet demanding customer schedules. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERS (REF: IEP97613) Reporting to the Development manager you will be responsible for hardware design of boards for cpu, memory and communications products, all of which are hardware fault tolerant. You will have a minimum of 3 years' experience of ASIC or board level design and simulation and you will be familiar with the latest technology design tools such as Verilog, Motive, Quad and Synopsys. The successful candidates will receive a highly competitive salary and an excellent range of multinational employee benefits. Please write - in strict confidence - enclosing a curriculum vitae and quoting the appropriate reference number to: JOHN S. GLENNY, MERC PARTNERS, 12 RICHVIEW OFFICE PARK, CLONSKEAGH, DUBLIN 14 Tel: +353-1-2830144 Fax: +353-1-2830550 Email: postmaster@merc.ie ======================================================================= IBM IRELAND LIMITED You've been working for a good few years and you feel it's time things really started to kick in. You're looking for a mixture of exciting work and the security of a hugely successful company at the leading edge of technology. You're also looking for an organisation that'll help you grow and give you real long term career prospects. IBM is the answer. Our International Software Development and Service organisation is based in Burlington Road. It's a large and growing operation with over 150 employees. We service many customers worldwide and develop software for IBM's Banking and Insurance sector clients among many others. But that's not all. We have huge expansion plans for IBM in Ireland. We're constantly developing new ideas and operations to stay at the forefront of modern technology. And to keep you challenged. But enough about that. We'll let the jobs do the talking. As an IT SPECIALIST you'll appreciate how priceless information is. Try these job specs for starters. IT OPPORTUNITIES INSURANCE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE This Centre involves a team of around 20 people developing customer systems for the insurance industry. We are currently working to build a client/server system that connects to various customer databases. Client information from legacy systems is integrated into a unified view and presented in an OO GUI. The core of the solution is the IAA business object model (BOM) and the technical architecture allowing for the integration of legacy application and the eventual distribution of objects. The current implementation is C++ on OS/2 and NT with a DB2 database. The solution aims to be an extendable framework allowing easy customisation for each insurance company. Planned future developments include moving to distributed systems with network centric thin clients and scaling up the system to handle databases of over 10 million records. This is a leading edge project that includes the latest Object Technology and which is solving the major IT problems of legacy system integration. We are now looking for the following people to join this young and dynamic team: IT/INSURANCE ANALYST:- You will be involved in the gathering, analysis and modelling of customer business requirements; the continued development of IBM's Insurance Applications Architecture (IAA) model and software components, used by over 80 major insurers worldwide; and have a consultancy and/or leadership role in international customer engagements. You should have in depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the insurance industry, with a minimum of 4 years' experience in areas such as product development, contract administration, claims handling, client management and marketing. Applicants with a background in General Insurance are particularly welcome. Experience in software development (preferably large-scale in nature) is required. Competency in a second language would be a distinct advantage. You should be educated to degree level (or equivalent professional qualification), ideally in actuarial and/or computer sciences and must be willing to travel regularly. CLIENT/SERVER DEVELOPERS:- You will have 3-5 years' development experience, of which at least 2 years should be C++. OO design experience on a client/server project is essential, and use of OO design methodology and design patterns would be an advantage. Knowledge of DB2 or other relational databases would be helpful, as would knowledge of CORBA. Preferred development platform is Windows NT with VisualAge C++, but the development environment is not as important as the experience you offer. HOST SYSTEMS DEVELOPER:- The successful candidate will have 3-5 years' experience of design and coding for MVS, CICS, COBOL and DB2. The ability to understand and work with an existing COBOL code base is essential. Some knowledge of CICS clients for Windows NT would be an advantage, as would knowledge of other relational databases. Both Client/Server Developer and Host Systems Developer will work closely together, expanding their knowledge of each other's roles, which will be very beneficial to both careers. Both positions will involve some travel in North America and Europe. A European language would therefore be an advantage. Salary structures for all these positions are negotiable. Top rate will be paid for your skills and experience. If you're interested in entering a new phase in your career, write to:- HAZEL HOCTOR-WHITE, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, IBM IRELAND LTD., 2 BURLINGTON ROAD, DUBLIN 4 Tel: +353-1-660-3744 Fax: +353-1-660-0416 Email: hazel_hoctorwhite@ie.ibm.com For further information see www.ie.ibm.com IBM is an equal opportunities employer. ======================================================================= SILICON & SOFTWARE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (US BASED) DO YOU want to play a significant role in the growth of a dynamic young company? ARE YOU motivated by the challenge of developing long term business relationships? DO YOU want to work in the United States? IF YES, WHO SHOULD YOU TALK TO? Silicon and Software Systems is a leading provider of state-of-the-art design services. Our company is now over 200 strong with offices in Dublin, Cork and San Jose. Our customers are involved in the following application areas: - Set Top Boxes - Digital Video Communications - Digital Telecommunications - Handheld Computing/Processors You will be responsible for maximising sales potential, identifying and growing new market opportunities and developing long-term business in the United States. You will be based in our San Jose office. A significant amount of travel within the US is required. Highly motivated, with good communication and presentation skills, you should be able to work on your own initiative whilst being part of a team. A third-level qualification in a business or electronics related discipline is preferred. Previous technical sales experience is highly desirable. We offer a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Simply send your details and salary history by September 26, 1997 in strict confidence to: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER SILICON & SOFTWARE SYSTEMS NEWSTEAD CLONSKEAGH, DUBLIN 14, IRELAND Tel: +353-1-260-2960 Fax: +353-1-260-2966 Email: recruitment@s3dub.ie Web: http://www.s3group.com SILICON & SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, A MEMBER OF THE PHILIPS GROUP OF COMPANIES. ======================================================================= RTE BROADCAST ENGINEERS Radio Telefis Eireann invites applications from suitably qualified people for posts as Broadcast Engineers. The work involves technical operations, equipment maintenance and the installation and commissioning of broadcast systems. Posts exist in the Network Group and Technical Support Department of Television and Radio Studios based in Donnybrook and at regional centres. Candidates should be qualified to a minimum of diploma level or equivalent in Electronics/Communications Engineering and should have experience or a particular interest in one or more of the following areas: - Technical Operations - TV and Radio. - Maintenance of Studio Systems. - System Installation and Commissioning. - Digital Microwave and Satellite Links. - Audio and Video Test and Measurement Techniques. - Transmitters - both analogue and digital. Appointment will be at Assistant Broadcast Engineer or Broadcast Engineer level depending on experience. SALARY RANGE: ASSISTANT BROADCAST ENGINEER - IR14,857-IR22,856 p.a. BROADCAST ENGINEER - IR19,428-IR27,427 p.a. Letters of application with detailed Curriculum Vitae should be sent to: APPOINTMENTS & STAFF DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RADIO TELEFIS EIREANN, DUBLIN 4 Fax: +353-1-208-3985 Email: appoints@rte.ie Closing date for receipt of applications is FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 1997. RTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER ======================================================================= ELI LILLY S.A. IT PROFESSIONAL Eli Lilly S.A. (Irish Branch) is an affiliate of Eli Lilly and Company, a recognised world leader in human healthcare. Our plant in Kinsale employs 300 people in a highly automated bulk manufacturing facility. We are now seeking an experienced professional to join our IT Team. This team is responsible for all aspects of solution delivery and support, using a wide range of leading edge technologies. Candidates should have at least three years' experience in a similar role, preferably in a process manufacturing environment. Technical experience with Windows/NT, UNIX and Oracle would be a distinct advantage. The successful candidate will combine a strong customer service ethic with technical leadership, and will also have the interpersonal skills necessary to allow him/her to advance the overall development and effectiveness of the IT Team. This position provides an opportunity to join a world-class organisation, offering continuing personal and professional development in a technical or management career path. The successful candidate will also enjoy a very competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. Candidates should apply in writing before October 3, 1997 using the company application form which is available on request. PERSONNEL MANAGER, ELI LILLY S.A. (IRISH BRANCH), DUNDERROW, KINSALE, CO. CORK. Tel: +353-21-702299 Fax: +353-21-772520 Email: KINSALE@Lilly.com ELI LILLY S.A. (IRISH BRANCH) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ======================================================================= DUNDALK REGIONAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE The College invites applications for the following position:- HEAD OF DEPARTMENT PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES The Department of Professional, Financial and Management Studies is part of the School of Business Studies. The courses in the Department include an ab initio degree course in Accounting and Finance and National Diploma and Certificate courses in Marketing. Its responsibility also includes part time professional courses, the development of post graduate studies and professional development programmes for those in employment. The person appointed will have a strong academic record, preferably with post graduate and/or professional qualifications. A minimum of five years' relevant experience is required. The person appointed will provide strong academic leadership and will have a responsibility for the management and development of the Department and its quality standards. Salary Scale: IR34,124 - IR42,183 (8 points) Application forms and further information available from: THE PERSONNEL OFFICE, REGIONAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE, DUBLIN ROAD, DUNDALK, CO. LOUTH. Telephone: +353-42-70256 Fax: +353-42-33505 Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 1997. The College is an Equal Opportunities Employer. ======================================================================= CPC FOODS (IRELAND) LTD HAVE YOU THE SKILL, DRIVE AND AMBITION TO JOIN A MARKET LEADER? CPC Foods (Ireland) Ltd., manufacturers and distributors of such leading brands as Knorr, Hellmann's, Ambrosia, Pot Noodle, Bovril, Mazola, Napolina and Goodall's, seeks computer professionals for vacancies in its Information Services department. This is an excellent opportunity for suitably qualified individuals to join a dynamic and professional team, renowned for innovation and flair in the fast-moving consumer foods sector. ANALYST PROGRAMMER:- Reporting to the Information Services Manager, the ideal applicant should have: - a capacity to support the development and implementation of business systems in a challenging arena - excellent interpersonal skills allied to a strong understanding of users' needs - a third level degree or equivalent IT qualification - a minimum of 2 years' RPG/400 experience - intrinsic knowledge of AS/400 Experience of BPCS, JD Edwards or similar business systems would be an advantage. SYSTEMS OPERATOR:- Reporting to the Information Services Manager, this role involves the scheduling, execution and control of all computer-based procedures. Ideally applicants should: - have a clear understanding of IBM AS/400 technology. - be enthusiastic and self motivated. - have minimum of 6 months' experience in a similar environment. Attractive remuneration packages will be offered which will be commensurate with the knowledge and experience levels of the successful candidate. Applications with full career details should be forwarded in strict confidence before September 26th to: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER (Ref:IEP4OO) CPC FOODS (IRELAND) LTD., GOLDENBRIDGE, INCHICORE, DUBLIN 12. Tel: +353-1-455-7638 Fax: +353-1-455-3292 All brands are trademarks of CPC International Inc. or its affiliates. ===================================================================== BOSTON SCIENTIFIC IRELAND LTD Boston Scientific Corporation is leagues ahead as the fastest growing and most successful Less Invasive Medical Device company in the world. In just under four years we have set up a new state-of-the-art cleanroom manufacturing facility on the west coast of Ireland in Galway where we employ over 1200 highly skilled and motivated employees. Recently we opened a new International Product Development Centre which will be staffed by up to 60 specialists in the field of cardiology, vascular and non-vascular products. It is due to this overall impressive growth in Galway that we now wish to recruit for the following positions: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - Product Development Manager (8+ years' experience) - Product Development Engineers (2+ years' relevant experience) - Process Development Engineers (3+ years' relevant experience) - Product Development Quality Engineers (3+ years' relevant experience) - Equipment Design Engineers (3+ years' relevant experience) - Lab Technicians (2+ years' experience) - Product and Process Development Technicians (2+ years' relevant experience) ENGINEERING - Manufacturing Engineers (1+ years' experience) - Quality Engineers (1+ years' experience) - Senior Plastics Engineer (5+ years' experience) - Manufacturing Technicians (1+ years' experience) OPERATIONS - Production Managers (8+ years' experience) - Shift Manufacturing Supervisors (2+ years' supervisory experience) - Packaging/Distribution Supervisor (2+ years' relevant experience) HUMAN RESOURCES - Human Resources Manager (8+ years' experience) - Human Resources Generalists (3+ years' experience) We are seeking bright, energetic people with excellent interpersonal skills, who enjoy working in a team based environment. Boston Scientific can offer you an outstanding work environment based on an empowered team concept coupled with an excellent compensation and benefits package. For more detailed information on these and other jobs at Boston Scientific, please view our website at: http://www.failte.com/boston-scientific/ Please forward your detailed Curriculum Vitae, quoting Ref. No. IEP/01 to: The HR Department, Boston Scientific Ireland Ltd. Ballybrit Business Park, Galway Tel: +353-91-756300 Fax: +353-91-701283 Email: petrina.tighe@boston-scientific.ie ======================================================================= SELC IRELAND LIMITED - Belmullet, Co. Mayo LABORATORY ASSISTANT (ELECTRONIC) Nature of work: To assist in the development and manufacture of microcontroller based control products for use in lighting and heating. Selc Ireland Limited requires a LABORATORY ASSISTANT to join its team working on the world's most innovative and highly acclaimed lighting and energy control products utilising state of the art microcontroller technology. For the ideal candidate an attractive remuneration package is offered, commencing with a salary of up to IR15K per annum depending on qualifications and experience. The successful applicant must hold a technical qualification in electronics (e.g. City & Guilds, National Certificate or Diploma). SELC Ireland Ltd. is now recognised as a leader in its field and is situated in an attractive location close to blue flag beaches and an international links golf course. If you would like to work on leading edge microcontroller technology then send your full C.V. for the attention of Mr Tom Durkan at:- SELC Ireland Ltd., Industrial Estate, Belmullet, Co. Mayo. Tel: +353-97-81200/81209 Fax: +353-97-81400 Email:rnd@selc.iol.ie =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The IE Professional Cathedral Building, Middle Street, Galway, Ireland Editor: Liam Ferrie Sub Editor: Adrian Byrne Compilers: Regina Casey, Aileen McGurk Advertising: Denis O'Brien Circulation: Adrian Byrne Technology: Mike McCrohan Phone: (353) 91-569158 email:iepro@emigrant.ie Fax: (353) 91-569178 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytire-09.21.97-00:30:22-16673