Speaking at the US Ireland Business Conference today in Farmleigh House, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said...
Ireland and the United States have long had a special relationship. It is a deep connection that we will always treasure as a nation.
That relationship has seen many benefits on both sides.
Generations of Irish people have played their part in the building of the United States. Contributing their talents, their labour and their heritage to weaving the rich fabric that is the United States of today.
We continue to express our gratitude to the US for their major role in supporting the peace process.
As key members of the business community in Ireland and the US, I thank you for giving of your valuable time and expertise to be with us over these few days. Today’s event will give consideration to priorities and opportunities for the important task of growing jobs between Ireland and the US.
The Irish US economic relationship is one of mutual benefit and is stronger now than at any other time in our history.
He continued...
Ireland is the thirteenth largest direct foreign investor in the United States, with investments of over €32bn. Considering our relative sizes this is very significant. The United States, of course, is Ireland’s largest source of inward direct investment.
Ireland has proved to be a major gateway to Europe for the US market and recent announcements show that we continue to be an attractive location for doing business.
On this note I’d like to assure you that Ireland’s 12.5% rate of corporation tax remains sacrosanct and is a cornerstone of our economic policy and will remain so.
This view is shared across the political spectrum and public opinion in Ireland.
Our corporation tax scheme is simple and transparent while other countries choose to apply more complex systems.
Looking forward to tomorrow's Global Economic Summit, the Taoiseach said...
...many of you will be among almost 300 of the most influential Irish connected individuals abroad assembling at Dublin Castle for the second Global Irish Economic Forum.The Forum will further develop a structured engagement between the Government and leading business figures from our Diaspora and from among our friends abroad.
It will also allow the Government to outline in detail our economic objectives and strategy to this influential group of international figures. This is an important part of rebuilding our image globally.
It is about harnessing all of our resources, at home and abroad, to feed into our economic recovery.
Read the Taoiseach's full speech here.