Medical devices sector 'needs more government support'

The medical devices industry has said it needs more Government-supported investment to protect jobs here.

A group representing companies here said our healthcare infrastructure needed upgrading in order to ensure Irish medical device companies could continue to compete on a global scale.

The group, which is operated by IBEC, has issued a six-point list of areas it feels the next Government should focus on.

Spokesperson Sinead Keogh said the sector had done its part in recent years, and now needed politicians to do theirs.

"This year we've seen exports of €8.5bn, which is an increase of 7% over the previous year," she said.

"Over 50% of our industry are currently hiring…(We) have identified these priorities to ensure we can continue to compete."