Ireland’s Medical Devices Sector in Europe in Good Health

Minister Kelleher Attends Medica Trade Fair with 16 Irish Companies in Germany

The Minister for Trade and Commerce Mr Billy Kelleher T.D. today (Thursday 19^th November 2009) announced that export sales to the German-speaking markets for Ireland’s medical devices companies grew by over 25% in 2008. This result outperformed global growth in the sector which is growing at 7% per annum.

Minister Kelleher made the statement following the Medica Trade Fair at which 16 Irish companies are exhibiting. Medica is the largest international trade fair in this sector and enables Irish companies to exhibit and network with international companies from Germany and other Eurozone markets.

Mr Kelleher said:

“With unprecedented levels of investment by the Irish Government in science and technology over recent years, the Irish medical devices industry is highly developed. The Medical Devices Sector is a significant employer in Ireland with 25,000 direct employees in the sector and, with annual exports of nearly €6bn, the industry is an important generator of overseas sales.

“Medical devices is an industry that continues to grow in spite of global recession. It is critical that we continue to support the Irish companies that are operating in this sector, to help them grow further and sustain employment at home. Germany is the largest end market for medical devices in Europe and, being in the Eurozone, it is free from currency risk for Irish companies exporting there. This event, organised by Enterprise Ireland, is important in that it allows these Irish companies to observe other international developments in the industry and gives them access to potential international sales and strategic partnerships.”

Enterprise Ireland’s Head of Lifesciences Tom Kelly added:

“The clients participating in the Medica trade fair this week are strongly export-focused with a wealth of experience and technologically advanced product offerings. These companies are engaged in a continuous dynamic process of transformation centred on innovation and internationalisation. These qualities will be well received in Germany, a country in which innovation, quality of product and outstanding service are of utmost importance.”

ENDS/TC406

ABOUT THE IRISH MEDICAL DEVICES SECTOR

Ireland has fifteen of the world’s top twenty-five medical device companies and annual exports of nearly €6 billion. With 25,000 direct employees in the sector, Ireland now has the highest per capita employment of medical technology personnel in Europe. Over 50% of the sector has dedicated R&D centres and 80% are innovation active.

This multinational presence is complemented by a vibrant Irish-owned life sciences industry of over 200 SMEs companies which has been growing at an average of 20% per annum over the last four years. Export sales to the German-speaking market for both life sciences and medical device sectors are even higher with a growth rate in 2008 of 25%.