Irish Genius

Which leaves me to ask the all important question: have they forgotten about the Scots? Yes, PM, this one is for you.

Science magazine lauds Irish for 'unrivalled genius'(Independent.ie)

IRELAND has emerged from scientific ignorance into an era of unrivalled genius, according to one of the world's foremost scientific journals.

Prestigious American magazine 'The Scientist' has dedicated a special supplement this month to how Ireland turned its scientific fortunes around in the space of just a few years.

In the past, Irish scientists had to emigrate in order to find a steady career. However the return of these "prodigal sons" during the Celtic Tiger years, has helped to cultivate scientific expertise here. Such is this country's draw, it now attracts "the world's greatest Irish -- and non-Irish -- researchers".

The magazine says that Ireland has now established itself among the elite in several areas of life sciences, including biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. Ireland now boasts 32 manufacturing plants which are approved by the powerful US Food and Drug Administration, and which produce six of the 10 best-selling drugs in the world.