Taskforce Report a blueprint for Jobs - Minister Micheál Martin, TD

The publication of the report of the Government Innovation Taskforce is a further step forward in our efforts to ensure Ireland remains a location for quality jobs according to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin.

“The Taskforce wants Ireland to become a Global Innovation Hub, and believes our transformation into such a location could create up to 250,000 new jobs "

“The Report contains many interesting recommendations and I would encourage business interests in Cork as well as our colleges to take time to examine them and see what role the City and County can play in the implementation of the plans.”

“The document is wide-ranging and much of what is proposed is worthy of serious consideration. Key plans include

Transforming the seed, angel and venture capital environment in Ireland

Introducing a European Accelerator Programme to attract the European HQs of fast-growing private US companies

Encourage overseas entrepreneurs to come to Ireland to start and grow their companies

Transform our Intellectual Property (IP) arrangements and make Ireland an International Innovation Services Centre (IISC)

Use Flagship projects, where public procurement will grow clusters of companies, addressing global needs, with innovative products\services for export

The education system needs to be better connected to the needs of innovative enterprises, including bonus points for high level maths.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs I believe the publication of the report and the priority which the Government has placed upon it, sends out a strong message that Ireland remains open for business.”

“This is a message which we have been delivering through Ireland’s network of Embassies and through our State Agencies. It is one I will also re-enforce next week in Washington DC.”

“At home I would encourage all those involved in the development of the knowledge economy in Cork to examine the full report and executive summary which are available on line at www.innovationtaskforce.ie”, concluded Minister Martin.