Electronic firms highlight shortage of engineers

Irish companies involved in the production of silicon chips say they could create more jobs if there were enough skilled engineers in the country.

MIDAS, which represents micro-electronics companies, says three quarters of its members are in a position to hire more highly skilled graduates.

The sector already employs 8,000 people, and almost seven out of 10 firms in the industry have given their staff pay rises in the past year.

Chairman of MIDAS, John Blake, says employers want to expand their business.

He said: "There's a great capability built up and what our companies are telling us is that if we had more good engineers available we could grow the companies faster in Ireland than is currently the case."