FIRST-QUARTER profits at the US computer group Oracle, which employs more than 200 people in Ireland, have more than doubled to $ 113 million (£70 million).

But the underlying jump in profits was less dramatic, as the $54 million profit recorded in the first quarter of last year included a $34 million exceptional charge which related to the purchase of research and development services.

Sales in three months to the end of August increased by 36 per cent to $1.05 billion from $772 million during the same period last year.

Oracle's general manager for Ireland, Mr Kevin Jones, said the company had enjoyed a record quarter in the Republic. "The Irish technology market is very buoyant," he said.

Oracle has two separate operations in Dublin its European software centre and its manufacturing headquarters for Europe, Africa and the Middle East in Dublin.

The company is also locating its European support centre at the new East Wall business park in a £50 million investment which is expected to create 400 new jobs.