20 Jobs To Be Created By Enterprise Ireland Expansion

Some 20 additional jobs are to be created within Enterprise Ireland, in a move which is forecast could create a further 1200 jobs in Ireland.

The Enterprise Ireland posts have been secured by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD and are understood to be for foreign officers as the group aims to increase irish exports.

The jobs will be on a fixed term basis with the new staff assigned to key target markets including in particular the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

It is thought that this additional work could result in another 1200 jobs in Ireland and €250million in additional annual exports.

Minister Bruton sought the increase as part of the Action Plan for Jobs.

Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said:

"At the very heart of our Action Plan for Jobs is building a powerful engine of Irish business. While the multinational sector is and will remain key to our employment growth, we must also relentlessly focus on accelerating export and jobs growth among Irish exporting companies. These businesses have delivered impressive growth in jobs and exports over the past two years, with more than 3,000 jobs added in 2012 – however if we are to create the jobs we need we must build on and accelerate that trend.

"That is why we are adding over 14% to the number of Enterprise Ireland staff in overseas market, in a move targeted particularly at the BRICS countries as well as other high-growth markets outside Europe. This is part of a strategy to target export growth to these markets which has included tax incentives for companies to place ‘boots on the ground’ in these markets as well as improvements to Government supports to these companies.

"On trade missions since taking office I have seen first hand the excellent work that Enteprise Ireland and the companies it supports are doing in overseas markets. This move will mean even better supports for more companies, ultimately delivering €250million in additional exports and 1200 jobs for Ireland."

Kevin Sherry, Enterprise Ireland Director International Sales and Partnering added "it is vital that Irish companies increase exports and their penetration into these important high growth markets and we warmly welcome this additional resource to our international drive to assist Irish companies target and capture opportunities that these markets offer. We will commence the recruitment process within the selected markets over the coming weeks and expect people to be operational by the fourth quarter."

(MH/CD)