The IE Professional #127 11/12/97 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit ======================================================================= THE IE PROFESSIONAL _______________________________________________________________________ Issue No.127 November 12, 1997 Circulation: 10,095 ======================================================================= 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: - Boston Scientific announces 2,050 jobs for Galway and Cork - Allergan Pharmaceuticals to create 170 new jobs in Westport - Ballina chosen as location for Auto-turning Centre of Excellence - Fruit of the Loom to create 220 new jobs with IR3.3m investment - Jefferson Smurfit Group sells US plastics division - Esat Telecom to take over EUnet; raises IR55m on Nasdaq - New IR28m R&D initiative announced by Government - 100 new jobs at Monaghan timber engineering firm - Irish companies win awards for innovative use of Internet/multimedia - Gateway Ireland to play role in first ever online order from space - Lotus' Irish employees to produce new eSuite products - 75 jobs for Tallaght as US firm IDC expands European customer base - IDB plan construction of Stg2m advance factory in north Belfast - Iona Technologies to seek listing on Dublin stock exchange - Lucent Technologies and ITG Group form strategic partnership - Kerry Group makes its first entry into the south east Asia market - Irish biotechnology company to raise IR2m on AIM for drug development - Eastman Kodak's restructuring plans not to impact Youghal operation - Horner Electric to employ 40 people in R&D centre in Cork city - Aer Lingus unions seek meeting with Minister over strategic plans - Ulster Bank is WorldCom's first customer on Dublin fibre network - Lowest unemployment level in seven years - Irish publisher seeks book proposals APPOINTMENTS: - Promotions at CableTel Northern Ireland and Scotland - Minister appoints Jim Lacey to Docklands Authority FINANCIAL: - Exchange rates - Dublin closing prices - Leading Companies - Leading Multinationals in Ireland - stock prices ACADEMIC: - Huge boost for third-level institutions with IR250m government fund - Annual report by President of the University of Galway - Call for sustained commitment to Science and Technology - Intel Ireland scholarships awarded to 24 students - Professor John Kelly appointed director of Fulbright Commission - TCD research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration JOB ADVERTISEMENTS: - International Translation & Publishing Ltd., Bray: Client Lead Engineers; Localisation Engineers; Technical Linguists; Systems Support Specialist/Webmaster - Forbairt, Dublin: Corrosion Technologist or Metallurgist - Aughinish Alumina Limited, Limerick: Adapt Project Leader - Carlow RTC: Business Analysts - Software Company, Dublin: Development and Production Manager - Gallaher, Dublin: IT Professionals; Computer Science Graduate - University College Dublin: Assistant Careers & Appointments Officer - International Information Management Group, Dublin: Software Developers; QA Engineers - Waterford Crystal: Senior Business Analyst - Tallaght RTC: Lecturer in Computing/Business Information Systems - SDL International: Specialist in software, documentation and multimedia localisation require staff for new Dublin office > > > > > > > > > BUSINESS NEWS < < < < < < < < < BOSTON SCIENTIFIC ANNOUNCES 2,050 JOBS FOR GALWAY AND CORK - Last Monday the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tanaiste Mary Harney announced Cabinet approval of IDA Ireland's support for a IR40m investment programme creating 2,050 jobs in Cork and Galway, by the US healthcare company Boston Scientific Corporation. "This is the biggest job creation project of 1997 and is the largest ever project in the healthcare sector in Ireland. It demonstrates the ability of regional locations to win major investment in line with the Government's regional development focus", the Taoiseach said at the launch. Boston Scientific is a world leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of minimally invasive medical devices. This investment will see the company adding 1,000 people over five years to its current workforce of 1,500 at its facility in Galway, where it set up in 1994. A planned IR4m upgrading of the Galway airport is believed to have been central to BSC's decision to invest further its Galway facility. The company will also immediately commence planning for the construction of a new 150,000 sq ft facility at Model Farm Road in Cork, which will lead to 1,050 jobs within five years. Most of the new capital investment will be in Cork as BSC has recently completed work on its 380,000 sq ft Galway facility, bringing total investment there to over IR60m. Galway was also selected recently as the location for a research and development centre. The Cork facility will be the international manufacturing centre for BSC's neuroradiology business which will develop and manufacture catheter-based devices for use in minimally-invasive procedures to treat neurovascular diseases and disorders. According to Bob Maclean, senior vice-president of human resources at BSC, 30% of the positions in Cork will be for graduates, with the balance being recruited at Leaving Certificate level. Speaking about the investment the Tanaiste Mary Harney praised the "enthusiastic and committed workforce" at the Galway facility which, she said, had ensured that the company had achieved each of its objectives well ahead of target and ultimately secured the additional 2,050 jobs for Ireland. BSC, which is headquartered in Watertown, Boston, recorded sales of $1.46bn last year and has achieved an average growth of 25% per annum over recent years, through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. ALLERGAN PHARMACEUTICALS TO CREATE 170 NEW JOBS IN WESTPORT - News of expansion by a long-established company in Westport, Co. Mayo added to the jobs bonanza which the west enjoyed this week. The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced that Allergan Pharmaceuticals of California is to significantly expand its eye care products manufacturing facility there and create 170 new jobs over the next three years. Allergan, which originally set up in the town in 1978, already employs close to 700 people. In 1992 it set up a second plant, which now employs 40 people, to manufacture prescription eye care products. This latest investment, which is supported by IDA Ireland, is part of a world-wide restructuring programme by the company. It will result in the construction of a 45,000 sq ft extension, the consolidation of world-wide manufacture of sterile tablets in Westport and the facility becoming responsible for supplying Allergan's eye care market in Japan and will make it the largest eye care plant in the world. During her speech the Tanaiste praised the efforts of the local workforce and management team which, she said, had ensured that Westport won this major development. BALLINA CHOSEN AS LOCATION FOR AUTO-TURNING CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE - The Tanaiste used the occasion of the Allergan announcement to report that Ballina, Co. Mayo is to get a new Auto-turning Centre of Excellence. The centre will employ about four staff and turn out 16 highly-trained operators for the industry each year, which the Tanaiste claimed would "enhance the competitiveness of the auto-turning industry which is already ahead of the UK and US on price and quality". She went on to describe it as "another boost for Ballina in the context of a major Government-led industrial push in the regions". She said that FAS would provide significant financial aid in the establishment of the centre, in collaboration with Auto-Turning Excellence Ireland (ATEI) and the industry. The industry already employs some 500 machine operators/setters and the Tanaiste said the new centre "would go a long way towards meeting the industry's skills requirements over the coming years. "It is further evidence of Cabinet's determination to address industry skill needs in a proactive, dynamic way", she stressed. FRUIT OF THE LOOM TO CREATE 220 NEW JOBS WITH IR3.3M INVESTMENT - Fruit of the Loom's recently-appointed vice-president of European manufacturing, Andy McCarter, revealed in an interview with the Irish Times last week plans by the US clothes manufacturer to invest IR3.3m in its Irish operations next year. The investment, in manufacturing technology, will add 220 new jobs to its existing workforce of 3,500 in Derry and Donegal. He stressed the need for the company to prepare itself for increased competition from developing countries in the low-margin end of the market. He said that over the past two to three years, the Irish operation had been making changes to its product mix here to ensure that more of its output is in the higher-margin end, which is not subject to the same level of cost competitiveness. He went on to warn that this, combined with ongoing efforts to reduce its cost base, might still not be enough to prevent some of the manufacturing being "moved offshore". JEFFERSON SMURFIT GROUP SELLS US PLASTICS DIVISION - The move by Jefferson Smurfit Group to divest itself of its US plastics division is seen as the first step by the company in its efforts to refocus its North American operations on its core activities. The sale is expected to net an exceptional profit of $40m for the group. Further rationalisation of the company's activities in the US is expected when its subsidiary, Jefferson Smurfit Corporation, implements proposals following a strategic review of its operations. This review, which has been ongoing since last May, is expected to result in a merger of the company with another North American packaging company, and in finding an initiative to facilitate the sale of Morgan Stanley's 37% stake in the corporation. ESAT TELECOM TO TAKE OVER EUNET; RAISES IR55M ON NASDAQ - Esat Telecom is understood to be finalising its deal to take over one of the country's leading Internet service providers, EUnet. The move by the company mirrors the strategies of companies within the worldwide telecommunications industry who have also acted to extend their interests to include the Internet. It also follows the acquisition of two other privately-owned ISPs, Indigo and Ireland On-Line, by state agencies Telecom Eireann and An Post. Senior executives at Esat declared themselves "very happy" with its company's debut on the Nasdaq exchange in New York last Friday. The shares were priced at $13 and closed at $15.125, raising IR55m for the telecommunications company. The company's chairman, Denis O'Brien, said the issue had been taken up 50% by US institutions, 15-20% by Irish institutions and the balance by European institutions. He added that the employee share option scheme had also proved very popular. NEW IR28M R&D INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED BY GOVERNMENT - The Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce Noel Treacy today launched the IR28m Research, Technology and Innovation Initiative (RTI). The scheme will be managed by Forbairt and is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. While having R&Co. Dublin at its core, the RTI initiative will also cover the wider innovative and technological aspects of company development. There will be a continuous open call for proposals in a series of fixed tranche periods with fixed funding allocations in each period. Companies seeking support under the scheme should apply to Brenda Duane, R&Co. Dublin Core Management Unit, Forbairt, Glasnevin, Dublin 9; tel: +353-1-808-2000, email: duaneb@forbairt.ie; WWW: 100 NEW JOBS AT MONAGHAN TIMBER ENGINEERING FIRM - IJM Timber Engineering has entered into a IR30m deal (over ten years) with US company Harvey International which will create 100 new jobs. The company currently employs 210 people in its plant in Monaghan. The company will manufacture and export timber framing for houses. IRISH COMPANIES WIN AWARDS FOR INNOVATIVE USE OF INTERNET/MULTIMEDIA - Two of the three companies chosen, as part of the INFO2000 programme, by the European Commission as the best examples of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Europe-wide that demonstrate innovative uses of multimedia and the Internet in business are based in Ireland. The program promotes the development and uptake of multimedia and the Internet in Europe, providing real-life examples to businesses in the EU of how the new technologies, when applied with imagination, can greatly increase a company's overall efficiency and profitability. Kenny's Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd. of Galway and C.P. Productions Ltd., a manufacturer of framed prints and mirrors from Lisburn, Co. Antrim, were the two companies from Ireland which, together with a bespoke tailor from Cologne, were deemed by the European Commission to be the ones demonstrating the most tangible benefits from using multimedia and/or the Internet, from the eighteen European companies in the contest. In 1994 Kenny's became the first bookshop in Europe - the second in the world - to establish a presence on the Internet. Since then, Kenny's have seen the time and cost of its weekly mailing to overseas customers reduced dramatically as well as enjoying a 30% increase in business over five years, largely brought about by the Internet. C.P. Productions Ltd. traditionally marketed its products through the distribution of expensive, hand-assembled photographic catalogues. Last January it launched its first CD ROM catalogue for world-wide distribution. "To date the results reflect, on average, an increase of around 33% per order over those obtained by our traditional methods", reported C.P.'s area sales manager, James May. GATEWAY IRELAND TO PLAY ROLE IN FIRST EVER ONLINE ORDER FROM SPACE - Gateway 2000 has just made online history, as cosmonauts on the MIR space station have used the services of a leading US online shopping community, Virtual Emporium, to place an order for two of the company's G6-233 Pentium II systems. The cosmonauts are doing their Christmas shopping from MIR since they will not be returning home until February. Gateway was the first PC company to offer online purchasing of PCs and over $2m in web-related sales are made by the company each day. In this instance, the cosmonauts e-mailed their choices to Virtual Emporium where the request was translated into English in advance of placing the order on Gateway's website. The order was received and processed by Gateway's Kansas City, Missouri facility and then forwarded to Gateway's manufacturing plant in Dublin where the PCs will be built. "I always thought our products were out of this world," said Ted Waitt, Chairman and CEO of Gateway 2000. LOTUS' IRISH EMPLOYEES TO PRODUCE NEW ESUITE PRODUCTS - Lotus Development Corporation, which employs over 500 people in Ireland, has announced a strategy for new products built specifically for the network computing environment and designed to reduce the cost of computing while increasing productivity and speeding deployment of Internet, intranet and extranet (I-net) applications. The company's plant at Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin is working on a major programme to localise the new Lotus eSuite software for 16 countries, due for world-wide release in the first quarter of 1998. The eSuite Engineering Team in Dublin set a new Lotus standard by providing 10 language demos for the launch events around the world this month. The company's launch of its new eSuite software has received broad-based support from many of the world's most prominent technology firms including Sun Microsystems, Oracle, America Online (AOL), Intel, Netscape, Novell and Lotus' parent company, IBM. Each company has committed to incorporating the Lotus product into its own product developments. 75 JOBS FOR TALLAGHT AS US FIRM IDC EXPANDS EUROPEAN CUSTOMER BASE - US company Industrial Design Corporation (IDC), which set up its European headquarters in Tallaght, Dublin in 1993, has announced plans to increase its workforce by 50% early next year. The company, described as "a high-technology design and construction company", employs 150 people in all aspects of equipment installation for companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and microelectronics industries. IDC plans to build a new 18,000 sq ft plant adjacent to its existing one in Tallaght from which it will service its growing European customer base. IDB PLAN CONSTRUCTION OF STG2M ADVANCE FACTORY IN NORTH BELFAST - Northern Ireland's Industrial Development Board has announced plans to construct a Stg2m 50,000 sq ft advance factory in north Belfast in an attempt to attract overseas investment to the city. While the factory is one of many such projects undertaken by the IDB, this factory, according to the North's Economy Minister Adam Ingram, "is larger than the usual type of advance facility provided by the IDB". The factory will be built at Northgate, near the Antrim Road, and in close proximity to the port of Belfast and both the city and international airports. IONA TECHNOLOGIES TO SEEK LISTING ON DUBLIN STOCK EXCHANGE - A spokesman for the Dublin-based software developer Iona Technologies says the company is close to seeking a listing on the Dublin stock exchange. Last March Iona floated successfully on the Nasdaq stock exchange, and according to its Irish stockbrokers, the company has been working to comply with the different set of regulations required for an Irish listing. The broker, Goodbody Corporate Finance, believes the move by Iona will help broaden its investor base as well as encouraging other Irish high-tech companies to seek a listing in Dublin. LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES AND ITG GROUP FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP - Lucent Technologies, formerly part of AT&T and an employer of 500 people at its Dublin operation, has entered into a strategic partnership with the ITG Group. ITG has built up a major corporate client base in Ireland providing telecommunications and computer solutions, and has recently entered the non-corporate sector with its establishment of a network of public telephone booths. Lucent Technologies provides networks for call centres. According to senior management at both companies, the alliance will allow them to target "medium and smaller call centre customers as well as ordinary customers". KERRY GROUP MAKES ITS FIRST ENTRY INTO THE SOUTH EAST ASIA MARKET - As promised during its recent AGM the Kerry Group has made its first advance into the south east Asia market with the acquisition in Malaysia of SDF Foods for IR6.6m. The company's director of corporate affairs, Frank Hayes, said the move was necessary in order for the group to continue to supply some of its major multinational clients which have also moved into the market. The company says it is planning a rapid expansion of the existing operations of SDF Foods and that it is continuing to look for other takeover opportunities in the region. IRISH BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY TO RAISE IR2M ON AIM FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT - Irish biotechnology company Eirx has declared its intention to raise capital on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in London. The chief executive of the company, Dr Peter Daly, says he hopes the listing will raise IR2m for the company which is involved in research into a cure for diabetes. Dr Daly owns 64% of Eirx, with 12% owned by Nick Strong, former financial director of Shell Ireland and 24% owned by Professor Tom Cotter, head of UCC's biochemistry department and well known for his research in this specific area. Dr Daly explained that Eirx is about to embark on a roadshow to inform potential investors in advance of next year's placing of 50% of the company. He feels that investors on the AIM will have a better appreciation of biotechnology companies given the high concentration of biotechnology companies in the UK. He added that in time the company would also consider Dublin's equivalent of AIM, the Developing Companies Market (DCM). The funds raised will be used to buy the rights to five projects which have been developed by research scientists at various universities. He said he is very optimistic that the projects selected will actually yield a prototype drug which can then be sold on to a pharmaceutical company. EASTMAN KODAK'S RESTRUCTURING PLANS NOT TO IMPACT YOUGHAL OPERATION - Plans by Eastman Kodak to reduce its world-wide workforce by one-tenth, or 10,000 people, as part of a $1bn cost-saving exercise, will not effect staff at the company's CD-ROM operation at Youghal according to a statement by a spokesman for the company today. The worldwide job cuts have been prompted by increased competition in the photographic industry where it has been investing heavily in research and development in recent years. The company had planned an investment of IR100m in Limerick to manufacture film cassettes for its Advanced Photo System. It is not yet known if the worldwide reductions will effect this investment. HORNER ELECTRIC TO EMPLOY 40 PEOPLE IN R&D CENTRE IN CORK CITY - The decision by the US company Horner Electric to set up a research and development centre in Cork's southside has brought the promise of 40 jobs over a five-year period to the city. The company has already commenced recruitment of hardware and software engineers for the IDA-supported project. The centre will develop circuits for the automated industry. AER LINGUS UNIONS SEEK MEETING WITH MINISTER OVER STRATEGIC PLANS - SIPTU, the union which represents most of Aer Lingus' 4,000 employees, is angered at what it sees as the airline's total lack of discussion with it on its strategic plans. It has asked the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, for a meeting to discuss grievances. This decision follows several newspaper reports that the airline is close to finding a buyer for TEAM, its aircraft maintenance division, and speculation that it if favours a strategic alliance with British Airways. ULSTER BANK IS WORLDCOM'S FIRST CUSTOMER ON DUBLIN FIBRE NETWORK - WorldCom has today named Ulster Bank as the first company in Ireland to avail of an alternative fibre network. The first phase of WorldCom's fibre network was 'lit up' on Tuesday, allowing its customers to benefit directly from the liberalisation of regulations governing the telecommunications industry. "We are delighted to name Ulster Bank as the first commercial customer to avail of an alternative fibre network in Ireland," said Sean Melly, WorldCom's chief executive. "By bringing our fibre network to the door of the International Financial Services Centre we can offer corporate customers direct, fully-managed links from their Dublin offices to financial centres throughout the world." The company commenced construction on the Dublin fibre-optic network, an integral part of its global strategy to develop networks in key financial centres, in July 1996. At that stage, the Irish development work was conducted by TCL Telecom which was acquired by WorldCom in October. Asked to comment on this week's announcement that WorldCom is to merge with another giant in the industry, MCI, Mr Melly, originally the founder of TCL Telecom, said it was "a fabulous time" to be involved with WorldCom and felt it would be extremely beneficial to the Irish operation. LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT LEVEL IN SEVEN YEARS - Figures for October issued by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show unemployment at its lowest in seven years. Last month 5,367 people signed off the register, reducing the number to 243,961. After taking account of seasonal adjustments, this showed a decrease of 1,200 people to 249,900. The Standardised Unemployment Rate (SUR), which is the new measure of unemployment based on the Labour Force Survey data compiled last April, stands at 10.1%, down from 10.3% last April. While the October figures continue the downward trend experienced throughout the year, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney warned against complacency. IRISH PUBLISHER SEEKS BOOK PROPOSALS - Oak Tree Press, an Irish publisher specialising in business and professional publications, is looking for book proposals in the areas of management, business, accounting, finance and law. Oak Tree publish between 30-35 books per year aimed at business people and students in Ireland, the UK, and Europe. New books already published this autumn include The Celtic Tiger by Paul Sweeney; Working and Living in Ireland by Eugenie Houston; Management by Projects by Albert Hamilton; and Doing Business in America by Hans Bryers. Detailed book proposals should be sent to David Givens, General Manager, Oak Tree Press, Merrion Building, Lower Merrion Street, Dublin 2; Tel: +353-1-676-1600, fax: +353-1-676-1644, email: oaktreep@iol.ie. > > > > > > > > > APPOINTMENTS < < < < < < < < < PROMOTIONS AT CABLETEL NORTHERN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND - Owen Lamont, managing director of CableTel, Northern Ireland has been appointed interim managing director of the company's Scottish operations. He will continue to manage the Northern Ireland operations where Ian Jeffers, formerly director of marketing, has been promoted to the position of deputy managing director. MINISTER APPOINTS JIM LACEY TO DOCKLANDS AUTHORITY - Noel Dempsey, Minister for the Environment and Local Government, has appointed Jim Lacey to the executive board of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Mr Lacey is a former chief executive of the National Irish Bank and more recently has been involved in consultancy work for the World Bank in South East Asia and Russia. He is also chairman of the Irish Aviation Authority. He will replace Lewis Glucksman, who resigned last month due to pressure of work commitments arising from his promotion to chairman of Smith Barney Europe. > > > > > > > > > FINANCIAL < < < < < < < < < Exchange Rates - Wednesday midday: IRISH POUND NOV 12 NOV 5 Sterling 88.80 89.72 US Dollar 1.5145 1.5122 Deutschmark 2.6111 2.6019 French franc 8.7444 8.7153 Dutch guilder 2.9433 2.9329 Belgian franc 53.86 53.67 Danish krone 9.9360 9.9019 Italian lira 2555.96 2550.25 Greek Drachma 409.82 409.20 Spanish peseta 220.47 219.74 Portuguese escudo 266.40 265.56 Japanese yen 190.65 184.26 Swiss franc 2.1203 2.1245 Swedish krona 11.3807 11.3690 Norwegian krone 10.6600 10.3160 Finnish markka 7.8695 7.8200 Austrian schilling 18.38 18.31 Hong Kong dollar 11.7086 11.6954 Canadian dollar 2.1344 2.1231 Australian dollar 2.1832 2.1386 European Currency Unit 1.3199 1.3179 Dublin Interbank Market: - One Month, Offer=6. 15/16 Bid=6. 3/16 DUBLIN PRICES (Wednesday Closing) - Leading Companies: Nov 12 Nov 5 97 Hi 97 Lo AIB 559.0 578.0 578.0 391.0 Avonmore 264.25 262.0 315.0 175.0 Bank of Ireland 869.0 865.0 910.0 535.0 CRH 775.0 790.0 835.0 608.0 Elan Corporation 3425.0 3421.0 3901.0 1946.0 Fitzwilton 43.0 42.5 58.5 41.0 Fyffes 95.0 103.0 130.0 89.0 Golden Vale 78.0 78.0 81.0 53.0 Greencore 290.0 305.0 392.0 290.0 Independent 370.0 385.0 460.0 300.0 Irish Life 330.0 350.0 400.0 325.0 Irish Permanent 655.0 660.0 705.0 485.0 Ivernia 100.0 100.0 118.0 78.0 Kerry Group 800.0 820.0 845.0 558.0 Mackies Eng 25.0 25.5 165.0 20.0 Powerscreen 743.25 778.5 843.5 577.0 Ryanair 320.0 332 0 416.5 290.0 Smurfit Group 182.0 192.0 240.0 153.75 Waterford Wedgwood 77.0 75.0 99.0 75.0 ISEQ Overall Index 3649.25 3704.33 3924.06 2619.20 Leading Multinationals in Ireland - closing prices Tuesday: Latest 52-Wk Lo 52-Wk Hi Latest 52-Wk Lo 52-Wk Hi 3COM 35.125 24.000 81.375 IBM 98.938 63.625 109.375 AST 5.312 3.938 6.375 Infrmx 9.438 6.562 31.125 AT&T 48.312 30.750 50.938 Intel 76.250 56.812 102.000 AbbttL 62.562 49.750 68.938 Iona 15.875 11.375 27.000 AldSig 35.938 31.875 47.062 Isocor 2.875 1.875 7.125 AMat 31.125 13.688 54.188 J&J 60.562 48.000 66.500 Analog 30.062 21.000 36.688 Lam 34.000 23.375 67.438 APC 31.625 15.250 32.875 Lilly 64.938 35.000 70.312 AppleC 18.375 12.750 29.562 Lctite 60.875 58.875 61.000 Bausch 39.562 32.500 47.875 Lucent 79.125 44.875 90.688 Baxter 46.000 39.750 60.250 Madge 5.562 4.500 16.125 BectnD 45.562 37.000 55.625 Mlnkrdt 37.375 34.750 45.875 BosSci 54.000 41.000 78.438 Merck 88.688 75.375 108.125 BMyers 89.812 53.250 93.250 Micsft 130.625 70.750 150.750 BriTel 456.50s 368.50s 502.50s Mtrola 62.500 48.375 90.500 Cambrg 39.312 21.250 40.750 Netscap 32.375 23.500 65.000 CBT 74.125 38.125 80.875 NorTel 91.188 57.750 113.875 Compaq 61.438 28.375 79.500 Novell 8.125 6.281 13.000 CmpPrd 25.562 13.750 33.438 Oracle 34.938 22.406 42.125 CRBard 27.438 25.875 39.000 Pfizer 69.812 39.750 74.875 Creatv 28.250 5.625 28.750 Philips 75.625 36.125 88.875 Cybex 26.500 14.000 30.500 Quantm 27.438 11.500 43.250 Dell 76.188 21.688 103.875 RRDnly 34.000 29.500 41.750 DigitE 50.125 25.000 53.812 SchrPl 61.062 31.625 62.000 Emersn 54.000 45.000 60.375 Seagte 24.500 23.938 56.250 Ericsn 45.410 28.430 50.053 SilVall 26.750 16.375 38.375 Gway2k 26.688 26.000 46.188 SunMic 33.688 25.500 53.312 GenEle 67.438 47.375 74.625 Symntc 22.750 11.500 25.750 Gillet 91.688 68.000 106.250 Tellab 49.875 32.000 65.000 Hadco 56.812 32.750 75.625 Visio 36.375 18.125 42.500 HewPac 59.625 47.125 72.938 Xilinx 30.625 30.000 58.500 s=Sterling > > > > > > > > > ACADEMIC NEWS < < < < < < < < < HUGE BOOST FOR THIRD-LEVEL INSTITUTIONS WITH IR250M GOVERNMENT FUND - The third level education sector has widely welcomed the IR250m Education Technology Investment Fund announced last week by the Government. A minimum of IR80m capital investment will go towards a complete overhaul of the infrastructural development of RTCs, according to Minister for Education Micheal Martin. The remaining monies will be allocated as follows: IR60m to provide places at degree and technician level in third-level colleges for computer software courses; IR20m in capital investment towards increasing the number of Post-Leaving Certificate courses in the VEC sector; IR30m for a major equipment renewal programme for universities and technological colleges; IR15m towards research and innovation in universities; and IR20m for accommodation and equipment needs of CERT and other bodies engaged in training people for the hotel and tourism sector. Reactions to the announcement were swift but not all were positive. Some anxiety has been expressed that the finance earmarked for third-level institutions will go to the IT/RTC sector and not to the universities. Dr Tom Mitchell, Provost of TCD, said he was anxious to know how universities would benefit from the fund and said in specifically addressing the skills shortfall in computer software education, other important areas of technology such as microelectronics and maths would be ignored. Overall, however, the feedback has been positive. ANNUAL REPORT BY PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY - The President of the National University of Ireland, Galway, Dr Patrick Fotrell, delivered his annual presidential report last week. In particular Dr Fotrell spoke out strongly against the reintroduction of third-level education fees. He said a significant number of the Galway student body are from Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Mayo areas in which income traditionally falls below the average per capita. He said grant aided education had enormously benefited students from these areas whose families might otherwise have had an increased financial burden. The President also ended the confusion over the name of the Galway college which has been renamed The National University of Ireland, Galway. Dr Fotrell said the name was cumbersome and the university should be simply known as the University of Galway. After his speech the President confirmed reports that he will remain in his post until 2000. CALL FOR SUSTAINED COMMITMENT TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - This week has been designated Science Week 1997 and Forfas, the science, innovation and industrial development agency, has taken the opportunity to call for sustained commitment to Science and Technology. Colm Regan, the agency's executive director, commented earlier this week, "There is a need to ensure that people with the wide ranging high-technology skills required in the future will be produced by the educational system." Encouraged by the IR250m government investment, of which IR60m has been set aside to tackle the shortage in the computer software industry, the agency has called for increased resources in the educational sector to maintain the current output of engineering graduates which is close to the EU average. At present three in every ten graduates receive a degree qualification in a science or engineering subject. INTEL IRELAND SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 24 STUDENTS - Intel Ireland presented special scholarships to 24 students at an awards dinner in Dublin on Tuesday night. The scholarships, which were established to raise the company's profile in higher level education, have now been awarded to over 100 students. Twelve scholarships worth IR2,500 annually for two years, have gone to students beginning their third year at university, and four scholarships worth IR2,000 annually were awarded to Leaving Certificate students who will now receive backing during their four years in college. For the first time in the scheme eight scholarships were presented to students currently studying technical certificates or diplomas in RTCs or the Dublin Institute of Technology. These are worth IR2,000 for one year. PROFESSOR JOHN KELLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF FULBRIGHT COMMISSION - John Kelly, professor of chemical engineering at University College Dublin and former registrar of the college, has been appointed executive director of the Fulbright Commission, officially known as the Ireland-United States Commission for Education Exchange. It promotes educational activities between the two countries, including the allocation of finance and scholarships. TCD RESEARCH INTO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION - A research team at Trinity College Dublin will shortly begin a comprehensive study of 60,000 sufferers of the eye disorder Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). The team will be contacting the 60,000 sufferers in Ireland and says that if even 1,000 sufferers come forward it would greatly help their progress in producing a cure. The condition results in a slow deterioration of sight which at its most extreme stage results in loss of sight. Recent research from America shows the disorder is gene-related and already scientists at the ocular genetics unit at TCD have developed gene replacement therapy which they hope to utilise in this research. - In last week's edition of the IE Professional, we incorrectly stated that Dr Brian Murphy, who was honoured in the 1997 Outstanding Young Persons Awards, was an Assistant Lecturer at University College Dublin. Dr Murphy is an assistant lecturer in the School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University. > > > > > > > > > JOB ADVERTISEMENTS < < < < < < < < < INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION & PUBLISHING LIMITED International Translation & Publishing, Limited (ITP) is a subsidiary of DCC plc and is an operating unit of the DCC SerCom Division. In the year to 31 March 1997, DCC has a turnover of IR628 million and a pre-tax profit of IR35 million. ITP is a leading provider of localisation services to software developers and hardware manufacturers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Bray, Co. Wicklow, and employs over 220 people worldwide. In addition to its Dublin area headquarters, ITP has offices and production facilities in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the United States and Asia. The company was founded in 1989, and has achieved significant year-on-year growth since its inception and currently has the following openings in its Bray headquarters: CLIENT LEAD ENGINEERS (Reference E100) Three senior Client Lead Engineers are needed to interface between production engineering and clients. These are important positions, and responsibilities include analysis of incoming projects, liaison with ITP's clients on technical matters, preparation of engineering localisation kits, support of both local production engineers and remote engineering facilities, and audit of the quality of project deliverables. A minimum of 2-3 years' localisation engineering experience is required, as well as an in-depth knowledge of Windows 3.x, Win95 and NT systems. UNIX and/or ORACLE (or other RDBMS) knowledge is an advantage. These positions also require strong communication and teamwork skills. LOCALISATION ENGINEERS (Reference E110):- Three Localisation Engineers are required to work in ITP's localisation teams. Localisation Engineers are responsible for the engineering and delivery of quality localised versions of major software products to ITP clients. Responsibilities include liaison with Client Lead Engineers, translation centres, and test groups. Requirements include a minimum of one year's localisation engineering experience, working knowledge of Windows 3.x, Win95 and NT systems, and a knowledge of MS AppStudio, MS DevStudio, Help compilers and software resource files. TECHNICAL LINGUISTS - FRENCH & GERMAN (Reference TC100):- Native-speaking French and German linguists are required for technical translation. Linguists must have excellent language skills and a recognised qualification in translation. Detail-oriented team players are needed. Working knowledge of major word processing and translation memory applications is an advantage, and experience in localisation is a plus. SYSTEMS SUPPORT SPECIALIST/WEBMASTER (Reference SC100):- The Systems Support Specialist is part of the team providing network and communications services to the global ITP organisation. Main responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the ITP website and the provision of systems support to ITP's internal user-base on a wide range of platforms and operating systems. Experience in web design and implementation, along with a good working knowledge of PC hardware, software, and operating systems (NT, 95, OS/2, Netware) is essential. Experience with Macintosh and/or UNIX systems is an advantage. ITP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to work in a culturally diverse, technology-intensive atmosphere. Opportunity for personal growth and advancement exists. Please provide full details - noting the applicable reference number - to: Michael Campion, CEO ITP Europe, International Translation & Publishing, Ltd. The Boulevard, Quinsboro Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Tel: +353-1-205-0200 Fax: +353-1-282-8395 Email: jobs@itp.ie WWW: ======================================================================= FORBAIRT Forbairt was established by the Government to facilitate the development of Irish Business and to provide a range of science and technology services and programmes for enterprise in Ireland. The Materials Technology Department at Forbairt provides a technical service (consultancy, testing and R&D) to industry across a wide range of inter-related technology disciplines including metallurgy, corrosion, joinings, coatings and NDT. This department seeks to recruit a: CORROSION TECHNOLOGIST or METALLURGIST (Ref: F488) Applicants should have a good primary degree or its equivalent in metallurgy or engineering or a relevant science discipline. Specialist training or a post graduate qualification in corrosion technology is desirable. A broad ranging professional level of competence in at least two of the following areas would be expected: corrosion investigation, design/installation of corrosion prevention systems, metal failure investigation. Some specialist knowledge or particular experience in process metallurgy would be of interest. The person appointed will be expected to interact with colleagues of other specialist disciplines in providing a consultancy and advisory service with the objective of effectively applying technology to support industry and advance its development. There will be opportunities to become involved in R&D project activity. Appointments may be on a permanent or fixed term contract basis and will be at Scientific Officer or Senior Scientific Officer level, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary ranges: SCIENTIFIC OFFICER IR20142 - IR28747 SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER IR28749 - IR37901 The necessary Application Form and further details (quoting reference) are available from: The Personnel Department, FORBAIRT, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tel: +353-1-808-2000 Fax: +353-1-837-7606 Email: floodm@forbairt.ie Completed Application Forms should be returned to the Personnel Department not later than Friday 28 November 1997. Forbairt is an equal opportunities employer Enterprise - Innovation - Investment - Growth ======================================================================= AUGHINISH ALUMINA LIMITED ADAPT PROJECT LEADER Essential: - Degree in Business or European Studies (or equivalent e.g. Org. Behaviour, Psychology, etc.) - Previous work experience in HR ideally in Training/European Projects - PC experience - Working knowledge of French - Project Management Skills General Team Skills: - Good Communicator - Group skills - Accepts and utilises feedback from others - Works for consensus decisions - Good Listener - Clearly expresses own ideas and feelings Work Qualities: - Excellent organisational skills - Responsive to customer needs and expectations - Works well on his/her own and with others - Is well organised - Stays focused on priority tasks - Motivated - works on own initiative - Trainable/Adaptable - Safe & thorough - Work in accordance with company values/behaviour - Performance, Accountability, Recognition, Teamwork & Integrity - Must strive to meet targets and deadlines at all times - Good report writing skills For further information contact: GEORGINA HILLARY, PERSONNEL OFFICER Tel: +353-61-604371 Fax: +353-61-604099 E-mail: Georgina.hillary@augh.com Closing date: 28 November 1997. ======================================================================= CARLOW RTC Colaiste Teicniuil Reigiunach Ceatharlach Carlow RTC is dedicated to excellence in the courses provided to its 4,000 students. The college is also committed to research, consultancy, EU programmes and enterprise related activities which assist the development of the region. BUSINESS ANALYSTS (Manufacturing) CIM CENTRE IR27,000 - IR34,000 p.a. The CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacture) Centre is a training and consultancy enterprise of Carlow RTC and is part funded by the European Development Fund through the Office of Science and Technology. Our purpose is to assist our client companies - which range from multi-national to small indigenous companies - to achieve maximum value and competitiveness from their manufacturing process and information system investments in the areas of production management, order processing and new product introduction. Post holders who will have a relevant third level qualification and be APICS certified, will provide training, management and IT consulting services to these companies. A strong background (ideally at least five years in a variety of manufacturing environments) in manufacturing planning, inventory management, software analysis, design and project management is required. Equally important will be the ability to communicate effectively with our customers and to be able to work with them to create solutions which are informed by best practice and tailored to meet their specific needs. These posts will initially be for a period of two years. For further information and an application form please contact: THE PERSONNEL OFFICER, REGIONAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE, KILKENNY ROAD, CARLOW Tel: +353-503-70432 Fax: +353-503-43787 Email: personnel@rtc-carlow.ie WWW: http://www.rtc-carlow.ie To be returned by Friday 21 November 1997 RTC Carlow is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. ======================================================================= GALLAHER (DUBLIN) LIMITED Cigarettes - Cigars - Tobaccos Gallaher (Dublin) Ltd. is the leading manufacturer and supplier of tobacco products including such market leaders as Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut and Hamlet. The IT Department wishes to recruit two additional staff: EXPERIENCED IT PROFESSIONAL Circa: IR30,000 p.a. + Bonus + Benefits A persuasive communicator with strong leadership skills, the successful candidate will already have extensive experience of IT Development within a best practice Manufacturing/Distribution environment. Applicants should have sound commercial IT experience including a strong grounding in 4GL, SQL on UNIX and NT. A degree would be an advantage. A knowledge of Informix and Visual Basic would be a further recommendation as would Project Management skills. COMPUTER SCIENCE GRADUATE Circa: IR20,000 p.a. + Bonus + Benefits The successful candidate will be required to play an important role in Project Development and provide high levels of support for IT users. Over time this IT Professional will gain experience in the following areas: - Informix RDBMS/4GL - Informix Object Orientation - New Era - Visual Basic - Executive Information Systems - Holos - Microsoft/NT Ongoing progression on the successful applicant's remuneration package will depend on his/her development and performance within the organisation. Applications in writing, giving full details of qualifications and experience to date, should be sent to: PERSONNEL MANAGER, GALLAHER (DUBLIN) LTD., GREENHILLS ROAD, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24 Tel: +353-1-404-0200 Fax: +353-1-462-4305 to arrive not later than Friday, 28th November 1997. ======================================================================= MSL INTERNATIONAL SENIOR MANAGER - STATE-OF-THE-ART SOFTWARE PRODUCTS Our client is an internationally acknowledged leader in its field providing packaged software systems for the Financial Services sector from the research phase through to design and development. A well-established and profitable organisation, it operates within an environment where survival depends on creativity and rapidly delivered innovative solutions, including state-of-the-art Internet applications. Because of further growth and diversification the following new position has arisen reporting to the Chief Executive. DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION MANAGER To recruit, lead and motivate a group of about 40 developers, working in small highly productive teams and utilising leading edge Object Oriented tools and languages. The position involves modular development and integration, with major product releases occurring every three months. Candidates must have at least four years' management experience in a relevant field and be thoroughly familiar with Object Data Management, Distributed Systems, Reverse Engineering and Case Technology. The remuneration package will be designed to suit top class candidates and there are prospects of share ownership in the company. Location, Dublin. Please write, stating how you meet the requirements and sending a CV to: Kevin Empey, HAY-MSL Management Consultants, Newmount House, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353-1-676-5994/676-7522 Fax: +353-1-661-6623 quoting reference number IE86143. ======================================================================= UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN ASSISTANT CAREERS & APPOINTMENTS OFFICER - Permanent Post (Ref: 221/97) Applications are invited from graduates for a post of Assistant Careers & Appointments Officer within the Careers and Appointments Office of the University. The careers advisory post will be based at the Graduate School of Business, Blackrock, Co. Dublin and will have responsibility for the development of the careers advice service for graduate business students. Applicants must be graduates with, at least, a second class honours degree and have a minimum of five years' relevant work experience which includes a position of responsibility in one or more business areas. A postgraduate qualification and experience in the business area would be particularly helpful, as would experience in the personnel function. Knowledge of modern administration techniques, including familiarity with information technology is essential. Employer liaison is also a vital component of the post. Salary scale: IR18,218 - IR24,869 (new entrants). Entry point on the scale will be in accordance with qualifications and experience. Further particulars on this post are available from: THE PERSONNEL OFFICE, MICHAEL TIERNEY BUILDING, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, BELFIELD, DUBLIN 4 (quoting above reference number) Tel: +353-1-706-1413 Fax: +353-1-269-2472 Email: acadrec@listserv.hea.ie ======================================================================= INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT GROUP (IIMG) IIMG was established to develop a portfolio of interactive software tools which intelligently identify relationships between diverse information types, in a unified, consistent and easy to use manner. IIMG specializes in integrated Web delivery of branded real-time and non real-time business and financial information. Our first generation product portfolio will be available for Web evaluation in Q2 1998. EXPERIENCED C++ SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS IIMG requires highly skilled developers with minimum 3-5 years' C++ experience to join our existing development teams. We are looking for motivated, dynamic individuals who would welcome the challenge of a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous: NT product design and development; Object Oriented design and development; Web based client-server development; Database development. EXPERIENCED QA ENGINEERS IIMG also requires QA Engineers with minimum two years' experience in software testing, Quality Assurance and the development of automated test scripts. Exciting opportunities for rapid career progression. Please send or email your Curriculum Vitae to: Human Resources Department, IIMG, Powerhouse, Pigeon House Harbour, Dublin 4, Ireland. Tel: +353-1-668-7155 E-mail: careers@iimg.com Fax: 353-1-6687945 ======================================================================= WATERFORD CRYSTAL SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST Waterford Crystal is one of the world's leading luxury brand companies. The company has experienced significant growth in recent years and has adventurous plans in place to accelerate business growth as we head into the next millennium. Arising from organisational developments a new vacancy has arisen. SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST The Senior Business Analyst will report to our System Development Manager and will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of IT systems which meet the business needs of the company. The successful team will meet our IT team which is responsible for improving business processes through the innovative combination of IT technology and people in all areas of the company. The successful candidate will be results driven and capable of working in a team environment to achieve ambitious targets. The person will have strong interpersonal and decision making skills in addition to project management, analytical, technical and programming skills. The ideal candidate should have computer science degree or equivalent and have a minimum of five years' experience in defining, developing, selecting and implementing new business information systems in a distribution or manufacturing environment. Technical experience ideally should include knowledge of IBM AS/400 and/or BPCS software package and/or client server. Supervisory experience would be an advantage. A competitive salary and benefits package is available for this position. Applications in writing - together with a comprehensive CV - should be made before FRIDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 1997 to: PAT KNIGHT, HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, WATERFORD CRYSTAL, KILLBARRY, WATERFORD IRELAND Tel: +353-51-73311 Fax: +353-51-374052 Email: pknight@waterford.ie Waterford Crystal is an equal opportunity employer. ======================================================================= RTC TALLAGHT Providing Practical Higher Education LECTURER IN COMPUTING/BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS We are looking for staff who will be responsible for the development, delivery and assessment of innovative course programmes. Applicants will ideally have experience in a number of the following areas: - Structured Analysis & Design - Project Management - Object Oriented Design & Development - Database Management Systems - CASE - Rapid Applications Development - Distributed Systems - Multimedia Applications are welcome from those with: (a) an honours degree in computing and three years appropriate postgraduate experience or (b) an honours degree in a relevant discipline (business, science or engineering) along with substantial relevant experience (min. of three years) Current salary scales: Lecturer 1 IR21,857 - IR33,964 (11 points) The qualifications and conditions of service and appointment for the above posts are in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Education. Application forms and further information for the above may be obtained from the Personnel Officer. Completed forms should be returned not later than 17.00 (Irish time) on Friday 28 November 1997 Late applications will not be considered. THE PERSONNEL OFFICER, REGIONAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24. Tel: +353-1-404-2120 Fax: +353-1-404-2700 Email: Personnel@rtc-tallaght.ie RTC Tallaght is an equal opportunities employer. RTC Tallaght Homepage is at: http://www.rtc-tallaght.ie ======================================================================= SDL INTERNATIONAL SDL INTERNATIONAL IS OPENING ITS DUBLIN OFFICE IN THE NEW YEAR Offering more value for less cost, SDL is one of the world's leading specialists in software, documentation and multimedia localisation, with offices all over the world. Providing full services to Software and Multimedia companies worldwide, we are looking for staff for all aspects of the business. Contact: Tel: +44-1628-410100 Email: hedleyr@sdl.co.uk Fax: +44-1628-410505 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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-11.15.97-02:54:44-29776