The focus on science and technology is working

Senator for Cork South Central and member of the Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation committee  Deirdre Clune is welcoming the announcement today that Kobo, a global leader in ‘eReading’ is to establish a software development centre in Dublin. This will lead to the expected creation of over 30 highly skilled jobs. eReaders are tablet computers which you can read books on. The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland. Meanwhile the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) (Amendment) Bill 2012 has been published. This Bill is to extend the remit of SFI in order to develop scientific research in Ireland.

“The growing technology sector has been continually targeted by the government as a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs. This investment by Kobo illustrates the incredible potential for jobs growth in this sector.

“The new Dublin based technology centre will provide software development support for all worldwide Kobo partners, as well as localisation and feature enhancement for all local markets.

“Kobo chose Ireland to locate the new technology centre because to its availability of highly qualified people with the best combination of technical skills, access to world-class academic institutes, and attractive research and development initiatives.

“The Science Foundation Ireland provides an important function in driving the success of science based industries. This Bill will help the progress of SFI who provide grants to outstanding researchers and research groups based in higher education institutions.

“It will also mean that SFI is to promote and support awareness and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics hopefully encouraging more people to study and invest in the area.

“The ICT and science sectors are thriving and have ample opportunity for jobs creation and development. The government is striving to ensure progress in promising industries to generate jobs and enterprise.”