Reward scheme helps bring in 83 jobs to country

A scheme that rewards people for attracting foreign businesses to Ireland has helped create 83 jobs.

The positions, based in Dublin and Cork, were announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who said he was delighted the Succeed in Ireland initiative had been so successful.

“This has brought a really new approach to foreign direct investment as ithelps attract different types of companies that might have escaped the attentionof Irish agencies,” Mr Kenny said.

“The creation of jobs is the Government’s top priority and we will beabsolutely relentless in seeking and supporting any initiatives that can makethat happen and help get our people back to work,” he said.

Under the plan, implemented by ConnectIreland, any individual who introduces a company that ultimately invests and creates jobs gets at least €1,500 per position — for up to a maximum 100 jobs.

US-based engineering firm Sound and Sea Technologies will set up its European headquarters in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, where it will create 55 jobs.

Corporate training company, IA Innovation, will establish its European operations in Dublin with 12 jobs. A further 10 positions will be created in the capital by technology consultingfirm, Strategic Marketing Innovation, while Bayne Law Group will open up six jobs in its new support centre in Cork city.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, who joined the Taoiseach at the announcement during the first day of the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin Castle, said theConnectIreland scheme began at the forum in 2011.

“Along with the Gathering and President Clinton’s ‘Invest in Ireland’ forum,it is one of the many successful initiatives to emerge from the forum,” Mr Gilmore said.

“Today, 260 leading Irish and Irish-connected figures from across the globe aregathered for the 2013 Global Economic Forum, which is very much focused onopportunities for job creation. I am very confident that, working together with our diaspora, we can increase exports, create jobs and build on Ireland’srecovery.”