An increase in R&D spending and a greater focus on improving the talent pool need to be the main focus areas relating to the maintenance of Ireland’s competitiveness this year, according to the main representative body for US firms based here.

The American Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Government's announcement on Corporate Tax and Income Tax in Budget 2015.

US corporate investment in Ireland amounted to nearly $130bn (€96bn) over the past five years; roughly 14 times larger than the amount American companies spent in China over the same period.

Ireland lacks skilled workers in some sectors of the economy but the country’s status as a leading investment option for US multinationals should remain strong, according to the new head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.

The new President of the American Chamber of Commerce Peter Keegan has today called on the Government to maintain Ireland's 12.5% corporate tax rate.

Mid-West business bodies have welcomed a decision to give Shannon Airport full independence from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).

Business leaders have welcomed the improved maths results being collected by almost 56,000 Leaving Certificate students this morning.

US companies in Ireland are looking for 2,500 people to fill vacant positions, according to a American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland survey.

THE new president of the American Chamber of Commerce has expressed “realistic optimism” for 2012.

The American Chamber of Commerce has said the decisions on the Special Assignment Relief Programme (SARP) announced by Minister Noonan in Budget 2012 "show foresight" and will create jobs.

DAMAGE done to our reputation could see the level of foreign direct investment drop in a few years time, the American Chamber of Commerce warned during the week.

IRELAND has a big job to do in restoring its tarnished reputation, the new president of the American Chamber of Commerce believes.

AMERICAN online business network LinkedIn is opening an international headquarters in Dublin.

FURTHER cuts in Government spending and improved regulation are still needed before Ireland can truly be deemed to be recovering in terms of international competitiveness.

DECLINING education standards and a high cost base continue to undermine Ireland’s attractiveness to foreign investors, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland has warned.

UNLESS the tax base is broadened to repair the public finances income taxes will have to be raised, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has warned.

Business groups representing interests at home and abroad have welcomed the result of the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

ANY suggestion that the Lisbon Treaty has nothing to do with our economy or our future economic success is wrong.

WORKERS reacted angrily last night to news that 44 jobs were to be axed at Shannon after its lucrative Heathrow route was scrapped.

The Small Firms Association has welcomed the report of the Enterprise Strategy Group.

US multinational companies are warning that excessive EU legislation is adding to the cost of doing business in Europe.

Excessive European Union legislation is in danger of affecting US multi-national companies doing business in Ireland.

THE threat to industry

Suspected al-Qaida militants arrested in Singapore were planning to blow up the US Embassy and American business interests in the city-state, according to official.