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Ireland is one of the leading global medical devices centres, with a strong reputation for excellence in manufacturing and research driven activities.

Ireland is one of the leading global medical devices centres, with a strong reputation for excellence in manufacturing and research driven activities. The sector currently employs almost 24,000 people in Ireland with sales of almost €6 billion annually.

Future Skills Needs of the Irish Medical Devices Sector, published by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, examines the trends and drivers of change in the industry, and assesses the skills requirements at all levels to 2013 to ensure continued success.

The sector has grown rapidly over the last decade, particularly from inward investment, with foreign owned companies accounting for 90% of employment. The indigenous sector, however, is also growing strongly with employment in Irish owned companies rising faster than that in foreign owned companies. Companies are engaged in relatively high growth and high value manufacturing activities, with many also involved in significant R&D projects.

Anne Heraty, Chairperson, EGFSN, said, “the ‘Made in Ireland’ brand is highly valued by the medical devices industry. In the face of a changing global environment the industry in Ireland is undergoing a period of change, focusing on knowledge intensive activities and making a greater use of R&D leading to greater product and process innovation. This, coupled with a rapid convergence of technologies in the industry worldwide, presents an opportunity to differentiate Ireland on the basis of skills as a location for highly skilled, innovative activities. To ensure we are equipped to keep pace with the changes it is important that we prepare now to meet the needs of a rapidly developing industry.”

The research found that the requirement for people with engineering, scientific, technician, sales and purchasing skills will continue to rise and the demand for those qualified to Masters and PhD level will also increase. The industry is likely to see a move towards greater numbers of engineers, scientists, analysts and technicians. Relatively modest numbers of new operators, assemblers and quality control staff will be required.