Tánaiste begins US investment trip
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan is on a five-city tour of the US this week to attract US firms to Ireland.
The IDA-organised visit will include meetings with executives in Boston, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Minneapolis and Chicago.
The Employment Minister will target firms involved in the healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceutical, ICT and financial services sectors.
There are currently almost 500 US companies in Ireland employing more than 95,000 people.
Ms Coughlan said: "The message I am taking to the US this week is clear: Ireland, despite the global economic downturn, is open for business."
"Despite the current challenging economic environment, Ireland remains an attractive location in which to do business.
"The policies we have put in place continue to attract investment and create new jobs."
In recent months leading US companies such as Genzyme, Abiomed, Freightquote and Cooke Medical have announced investment in Ireland.
According to the IDA, Ireland has the youngest population in Europe with over 40% under the age of 25.
"Ireland's unique workforce is a key pull factor for US companies," said an IDA spokeswoman.
"In addition, Ireland's low corporate tax rate and flexible work practices remain as a bedrock to attracting foreign direct investment."
Ms Coughlan added: "The foreign direct investment pipeline into Ireland remains strong and I am confident that our work this week will result in further investment and jobs in the months and years ahead."
Fine Gael has criticised Ms Coughlan's absence from the Dáil this week when it will be tabling a motion on rising unemployment.
