Some of the largest US-owned firms based in Ireland had to stay open for business during yesterday's national day of mourning.
While most of the country shut down for the day, hundreds of employees at high-tech companies were clocking in as usual. Dell computer company confirmed more than half its 5,700 employees were required to work, but a spokeswoman said it was a difficult decision.
"The part of our operation that supports local Irish business was closed with none of the employees working, but the part that supports Europe and UK business did not close. We had to provide a service to them."
The spokeswoman said employees had the opportunity to attend religious services, and they observed the three minutes' silence at 11 a.m. "We also had a book of condolences for staff."
IBM, which employs 4,500 in the State, said staff at the majority of its nine centres were able to take the day off but key personnel had to work.
Mr Tom Ward, central services manager at the IBM technology campus in Dublin, said: "Many of our customers in the US and other parts of the world were remaining open, so we had to provide services to them."
The Intel plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare, was also open for business all day.