An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD
Ireland is immensely proud of the strength and depth of relations that exist between our country and the United States. These were on display last year during the successful visit of President Biden, who, in his address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, spoke of the bonds and shared history between our two countries and our peoples, reaching from the founding of the United States to modern times.
These bonds and shared history are the foundation of the extraordinary and mutually beneficial economic relationship between our countries today. The continued growth and success of this relationship comes against a backdrop of international uncertainty and an increasingly challenging economic and global outlook. However, despite these challenges, our employment levels are now at their highest level ever, with over 2.6 million people at work. With this in mind, I would like to thank the American Chamber of Commerce, and its members, for their role in the creation of high-quality jobs and opportunities throughout Ireland.
US foreign direct investment has been, and will continue to be, an important element of the Irish economy. There are now more than 970 US companies in Ireland, employing 210,000 people directly, and indirectly supporting a further 168,000 jobs. Our place, firmly at the centre of Europe and its Single Market and single currency, enhances our relationship, allowing us to serve an important role as a bridge between the EU and US. The freedom to travel, study, and work in any part of the EU and UK makes Ireland a uniquely appealing destination that benefits both companies and employees.
Irish companies also continue to enjoy great success in the US – where Irish investment can now be found in every State, in sectors as diverse as agri-food, manufacturing, building materials, construction and services. We are proud that Irish businesses employ almost 100,000 people in the US reflecting the shared entrepreneurial spirit of our countries.
The Government is committed to ensuring Ireland remains a place where businesses, whether FDI or indigenous, can succeed, nationally and internationally, contributing to our green and digital transitions, while enhancing the strength, innovative capacity, and sustainability of our economy. We know that to continue to be a destination of choice for investment, and create employment and opportunities, we must ensure that businesses have access to a high-quality talent pool and skilled workers, to a supportive and innovative environment, and to high quality infrastructure and sustainable energy. To this end we are committed to investing at record levels and bringing about the necessary reforms in critical areas such as housing, planning, transport, broadband and energy.
The members of the American Chamber of Commerce are important and valued partners, making a considerable contribution to our economy and society.
“We are committed to continuing to work to deepen the relations between our two countries, so that businesses, workers, and all of society can benefit from the mutually beneficial partnership that we enjoy. ”