Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
137. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to support companies based here in attracting Irish emigrants back to Ireland on account of the particular skills set such persons have acquired abroad which can be vital in assisting in the development of new divisions-units of companies here with a corresponding positive effect for job creation. [17983/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt a macro level the Government’s strategy is to re-build the economy and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, jobs-rich economy based on enterprise, innovation and exports. It is in this way that we will create the environment in which sustainable jobs will be created, living standards will be raised and Ireland will be regarded as an attractive location in which to live and work.
More specifically, engaging with the Diaspora to strengthen and form new relationships is a particular Government priority underpinned by the Global Economic Forum. For example, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland’s Senior Management team are focusing on the roll-out of a number of joint initiatives, including marketing and events aimed at attracting entrepreneurs and start-ups to Ireland.
IDA Ireland engages with the Irish Diaspora working in multinational companies in its role to attract new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Ireland and to build on the existing FDI base to support Irish management to win new business. The ability of the investor to source the very best quality people, with appropriate levels of training and experience, is a prime consideration and a real location differentiator. Attracting skilled Irish emigrants back to Ireland is an important component in creating this skill base. The “Succeed in Ireland” initiative to attract greater numbers of inward investors to Ireland provides direct financial incentives to people around the world to create employment in Ireland by making payments to people responsible for bringing sustainable jobs to Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) also plays a significant role in forging linkages with Ireland’s Diaspora. Under the Action Plan for Jobs 2012, EI initiatives include:
- A Global Irish Network of advocates was established to maximise the opportunities from Diaspora interest in Ireland and secure greater investment in Ireland.
- A €10m International Start-up Fund was established in 2012 and was complimented by a targeted marketing campaign, making greater use of existing networks in the IDA and the wider Diaspora. An Enterprise Ireland team has been extensively marketing this initiative. In 2012, twelve entrepreneurs were supported by Enterprise Ireland to establish their companies here. This campaign is continuing in 2013.
EI is also involved, in the establishment of www.itshappeninghere.ie, a website which features opportunities in Irish SMEs in the wider ICT sector and allows our Diaspora a full view of the potential opportunities for employment and advancement. The website brands the Irish indigenous ICT sector as innovative, dynamic and a great place to build an exciting career. In addition, EI sponsors/supports conferences to showcase particular sectors with opportunities. Such an example is the IN3 Medical Device 360o Conference which is taking place in Dublin this week. This is an international networking conference aimed specifically at promoting the Irish Medical Devices sector internationally.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2013 includes a number of actions which will build on the initiatives already underway under the Action Plan for Jobs 2012.
