The pharmaceutical industry is amongst Ireland's longest established and most successful economic performers.

At a national level, the greatest concentration of pharmaceutical companies is in and around Cork city. Within that strong industrial heritage one recruitment company claims a position that could be described as a "traditional pride of place".

Kenny Whelan Associates has been recruiting engineering and technical personnel for pharmaceutical multinationals since 1976 and celebrated its 25th birthday earlier this month, says managing director Tom Whelan.

"A substantial part of our recruitment activity is concentrated on the pharmaceutical industry, an area we are particularly familiar with.

Our recruitment consultants are experienced and technical personnel who can focus on clients' particular needs," says Mr Whelan, a chartered engineer with over 30 years industry, engineering consultancy and recruitment experience.

A third of the engineers working in Cork opt for contract work and this number is growing, he notes. "There are advantages and disadvantages to contracting, but it is a matter for individuals to decide for themselves," he advises.

Contractors are paid an all-in hourly rate and can earn up to twice as much and sometimes even more than their colleagues in permanent positions. On the down side, there will be no company safety net, such as paid holidays, paid sick leave or company pension.

"The contracting phenomenon is here to stay, both in Ireland and around the world. Many Irish engineers who picked up the bug in Ireland are now travelling the world, contracting their professional services."