SOME of the leading global and Irish names in technological and medical devices will have their key research work carried out in a Cork facility under a €5 million investment by Enterprise Ireland over the next five years.

WHILE most Irish businesses are bracing for the swine flu pandemic, the disease has resulted in an unexpected boost for two healthcare firms in the south.

IRISH companies and universities signed contracts and agreements estimated to be worth more than €70 million with Chinese counterparts in Beijing yesterday.

IRISH firms will sign a number of “sizeable” new contracts in China this week.