Ireland has not done too badly out of the computer industry shake-outs announced this week. Job losses in Apple were not as serious as was feared, while the axe resulting from the Compaq/Digital merger fell in Scotland, rather than on its Digital plant in Galway.

Both illustrate, however, the enormous pace of change in the sector and the challenge faced by the Government and by IDA Ireland in ensuring that Irish plants are as indispensable as possible to their global parents.

The Digital plant in Galway was spared because of the strategic importance of its software work, while job losses in Apple were minimised because part of its Cork operation is now undertaking work on the portable G3 Powerbook and will work on the new iMac (above) computer.

There may still be some "mega" projects to be announced by IDA Ireland over the next year or so. But increasingly its work will be with existing companies here, encouraging local management to take a role in persuading their parents to locate key functions in Ireland. It may not be very glamorous or exciting work, but if the big job gains of recent years are to be consolidated, then it will be very important.