Ireland Targets Mobile Phone Market

The Minister was speaking at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona where 21 cutting edge Irish firms, with the support of Enterprise Ireland, are exhibiting their expertise to 60,000 trade visitors from some of the world's largest network operators.

The firms are in the Ireland Pavilion which is expected to be a major attraction at the Congress. Ireland has one of the highest levels of company participation at the event.

Minister Martin emphasised that "The telecoms sector has shown enormous growth in Ireland in recent years with exports of software and hardware for the sector more than doubling since 2005, with forecasts that they will hit €260 million this year.

The 21 companies exhibiting in Barcelona employ over 800 people in Ireland."

"Irish firms have taken a lead in looking to the future of the mobile phone. They are developing new technology which can be used in wireless security systems, ticketing systems, weather forecasting, entertainment and even the remote monitoring of internet use by child."

"Our expertise has been recognised across the globe. During our recent Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to South Africa it was clear that there is a demand for Irish expertise in the delivery not just of mobile phone services but also in wireless broadband into remote areas."

"While there are currently 3.2 billion people worldwide using phones and other mobile technology, there are forecasts for further massive growth in markets in Africa and Asia."

"The Government is fully committed to the continued development of a strong, highly innovative and export led wireless industry in Ireland.

"Events such as Barcelona serve as an important reminder to leading players in the industry that Irish firms are at the cutting edge in the research and development of new technology", he concluded.