TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY used today’s announcement of 215 new jobs as an opportunity to woo multinationals to Irish waters in the wake of Brexit.
In all the splendour of the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, and flanked by the companies’ representatives visiting Ireland for today’s announcement, Kenny indicated that if companies were thinking of jumping ship, Ireland would welcome them with open arms.
It’s never easy, never easy, for companies like yours to say, ‘well, we’re going to switch country, we’re going to go to a different place, a different opportunity.’
But in the context of Brexit, do remember that Ireland is a member of the European Union, it will remain a member of the European Union and it is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone and obviously offers that unique perspective of 50 years experience… with a proven record of young people being able to meet the challenges set by companies…
But you are in good company here with others that have proven themselves here over the years.
New jobs
The Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs Mary Mitchell-O’Connor said the 215 new jobs announced today will be based in Dublin and Waterford.
The jobs on offer are from US and European companies – Emergenetics, Paragon 28, Telnyx, MacStadium, Endura, Compar, TPGS and Smartfrog.
Harking back to the old days, and urging the Americans in the room to perhaps look up what Irish lineage they might have, Kenny said:
For those of you that haven’t been here before, you should know that 50 years ago, Ireland was a small, inward, backward-looking, agri-based economy. Our joining of the European Union transformed this country over those years and opened our eyes and gates to the world.
He used the opportunity to highlight to multinationals, that from his viewpoint being part of the EU has only been good for both jobs and investors in Ireland.
‘Unapologetic’
The Taoiseach said he is “unapologetic” in promoting a free trade agenda.
“While some other countries want to put up barriers, we want to remove them,” he said.
Despite criticisms from Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster last week that the Irish government were orchestrating planned trips abroad to “poach investors away” from the north, Kenny said Ireland needs to be competitive.
In response to Brexit, he said the government recognises that competition for new investment will be “very strong”.
“As such we have to continue to be very competitive and attractive for new business,” said Kenny.
Multinationals relocating
Since Brexit, it is understood that the IDA has received a significant amount of interest from UK-based companies who are seeking to relocate their operations.
A large number of firms have already made “site visits” to Ireland, with technical teams travelling here in the last number of months to explore how they might operate here and investigate if Ireland’s infrastructure, workforce, and regulations would meet their needs.
Mitchell-O’Connor, who recently came in for criticism over her capability to do the job, delivered a strong speech to the packed out Shelbourne suite today.
“It is terrific news that this group of companies, who are at the forefront of their technologies have decided to locate in Ireland and I look forward to their future expansion here.”
Standing under the ornate Waterford Crystal chandeliers, she said:
When you invest in Ireland, Ireland invests in you.
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