Compaq Computer, which is setting up a major call centre in Dun Laoghaire, generated after-tax profits of $517 million (£351 million) during its third quarter compared to $365 million during the same period a year ago. The company said net income per share was 65 cents against 48 cents a year earlier.

Third-quarter sales rose sharply to $6.474 billion against $4.947 billion at the same time a year ago.

Founded in 1982, Compaq says it is the fifthlargest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. The company is current ahead of schedule to meet its job targets of 550 at the Dun Laoghaire.