Mr Kenny stressed that leanness and cost effectiveness in how public monies are spent will increase Ireland’s competitiveness by driving down costs and thus creating an environment more opportune to doing business.

“We have a very young talented work force and we have flexibility within our education system to meet the needs and requirements of American business,” said Mr Kenny who added that the Minister for Education was bringing in reforms in the education system to make sure that Ireland maintained and progressed the standard of education here. Thus assuring the quality of the workforce in Ireland.

Greater contact and co-operation between business and education will, in the Taoiseach’s opinion, help bridge the gaps that may be there at present when it comes to certain skills shortages.
“At my meeting with the Chamber here today we discussed a greater potential between second level and business as well as between third and fourth level and business,” said Mr Kenny.

In closing, the Taoiseach said he wants to see greater recognition for Irish workers’ productivity which Mr Kenny believes matches any workforce around the globe, especially now that the cost base in Ireland has been reduced. The government is also working on reducing it further, with cuts in energy costs and costs associated with red tape as well as removing obstacles in doing business.

“We have an open door for business to government, to work with business in the interest of all the people in the country. I like to think that people are happy going to work in the knowledge that they are contributing to their economy, their own lives and the company for which they work,” said Mr Kenny, noting that the potential was enormous for Ireland but so too were the challenges for the country.

“There has never been a better time to be in politics and to work with business … the message that I’m sending out is that on the centenary of the 1916 Rising we will be the best small country in the world to do business,” concluded Mr Kenny.

Taoiseach Assures US That Ireland is Open for Business