The fact that Ireland’s Intel staff has been selected to design the company’s next computer chip is a major endorsement of Ireland’s skill base and firmly quashes the idea that major IT companies only locate in this country for tax reasons.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she described the decision to locate the design for the quark chip in Ireland as a huge vote of confidence in Intel’s Irish staff.

She said “My experience in a number of visits to Intel facilities is one of encountering not just commitment to the job but a spirit and outlook which involves a deep involvement in volunteering and in community.

“This decision by Intel, as well as raising the image of Ireland around the world, will be particularly useful in countering attempts by powerful countries to erode our fair and justified tax regime which is central to building and maintaining employment in our country for the future”.