US foreign direct investment in Ireland to be discussed by Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education

Chairman of the Committee Deputy Damien English said: “Around 100,000 people are directly employed in more than 600 US firms in Ireland, accounting for over 70% of all IDA-supported employment, according to the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. Despite the economic downturn, Ireland remains a popular gateway to Europe for US companies. Tomorrow, Joseph Quinlan, author of a report on US foreign direct investment into Ireland which was commissioned by American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland will outline the main findings of this report. Representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland will also provide their insights into the current situation regarding investment by US firms here. As a small, open, trading economy that relies heavily on exports, foreign direct investment in this country is a major contributor to our economy in terms of jobs, taxes and exports. The Committee will be interested in getting the perspective of the American Chamber and Mr Quinlan on the current situation here and what initiatives we need to put in place to safeguard current investment and jobs and attract new investment.”

Officials from the Departments of Education and Skills and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will also address the Committee tomorrow to discuss proposals to:

a. Ensure there is a better skills match between industry needs and third level graduates and
b. Develop enterprise education in Irish secondary schools and business innovation in third level institutions

This meeting will take place on Thursday 29th September, in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000 at 2.30pm.

Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o

For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education

Membership

Damien English, TD (Chairman)
Ray Butler, TD
Áine Collins, TD
Joan Collins, TD
Michael Conaghan, TD
Barry Cowen, TD
Seán Crowe, TD
Tom Fleming, TD
Brendan Griffin, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Anthony Lawlor, TD
John Lyons, TD
Nicky McFadden, TD
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD
Willie O’Dea, TD
Brendan Ryan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD
Peadar Tóibín, TD

Senators

Deirdre Clune,
John Kelly,
Michael Mullins,
Marie Louise O’Donnell,
Averil Power,
Feargal Quinn.