Two-thirds of Irish technology firms intend to hire new staff this year, according to a new survey conducted by professional services firm Mazars.
However the survey also found that 42 per cent of technology companies surveyed are not fully aware of the availability of research and development (R&D) tax credits that can help with when hiring key staff members.
“These companies need to be fully informed of the options available to them, especially since 55 per cent of the firms state that they would hire new staff if they could part finance this cost through R&D tax incentives,” said Gerry Vahey, tax partner at Mazars.
The survey results also suggest that new technology positions will continue to arise next year, with 77 per cent of respondent companies planning to take on more staff in 2012.
Mark Byrne, head of the R&D tax group in Mazars, said these results confirm the outlook for the sector is “exceptionally positive”, but added that continued investment in education and the knowledge economy remained vital.
“There is no doubt that this is good news for Irish technology firms, for graduates and for the economy at large. Ireland Inc is clearly open for business in this sector and this is a good news story that should provide a welcome uplift in economic sentiment in general,” he said.
