The agricultural machinery sector is facing such a shortage of key mechanical and spare parts operatives that it has been forced to look to Latvia and Estonia for specialised mechanics and qualified people. A survey of the 250 members of the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) shows that some 75 jobs are vacant at the moment, but there is no one to fill them. This breaks down into 50 farm machinery mechanics and 25 people for the spare parts sector. "Most of these jobs have been advertised but there's no response or the people who replied were unqualified," said Mr Michael Moroney, chief executive of the FTMTA.

"These people are a key element in terms of running a farm machinery service. These are high-skill jobs, which require trained people to deliver an efficient service. Modern farm machinery demands trained staff who are encouraged to keep upto-date with the latest machine developments."

The shortage has come about because people move on and out of the sector, often for jobs in multi-national companies which locate here "because they have electrical and technical training and good engineering ability".

Mr Moroney said the farm machinery market is buoyant. The industry employs around 3,800 people and has an annual turnover of £140 million (€177 million) annually through the sale of new and second-hand machinery.

In a joint initiative with People Solutions, a recruitment company located in Ashbourne, Co Meath, the association has launched FTMTA Staff Search in order to find the staff required with typical salaries starting at £16,000 to £17,000 a year for standard working hours.