Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, T.D., said: "If we are to continue to win overseas investment in ICT-related jobs, and to grow the strong base of Irish-owned companies in ICT and related areas, we need to ensure that we have a sufficient supply of talent to meet the needs of enterprises.  The growth we are seeing in ICT employment requires us to supplement the supply of our own excellent graduates with overseas talent.  The Tech/Life Ireland campaign is focused on attracting top-end professionals to work and live in Ireland.  It will not lessen the opportunities for Irish graduates, but will add to the overall diversity, knowledge base and experience in the ICT workforce."  

Karl Flannery, CEO of Storm Technology and Chair of the Tech/Life Ireland delivery group said: "Industry and government recognise the need to attract top tech talent to work in Ireland. We have engaged extensively together to understand the needs of the industry in the coming years and to develop this initiative. We are delighted to launch it today. I would encourage companies to register* with the initiative and keep Ireland's tech sector thriving through the attraction of the world's best talent."  

The Tech/Life Ireland brand was developed based on extensive interviews with international tech talent to understand their motivations for relocation - key themes of Job Challenge, World-Class Peer Group, Career Scope, and Diverse, Positive Workplaces were emphasized throughout.

The techlifeireland.com website and digital platforms like Twitter and Linkedin will provide information about the tech environment and careers in Ireland, as well as practical advice about moving to Ireland and its lifestyle benefits. Key features of the website include:

• A set of case studies of foreign workers in Ireland's tech sector and their positive experiences in the country;
• Regular updates from Ireland's top tech influencers on developments in the tech community;
• Valuable quarterly reports for companies based on industry research;
• A live tailored feed of current tech job opportunities in Ireland; and
• Profiles of leading tech companies.

The Government, through the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland, is investing €1.9 million in the initiative over a three year period.  Industry is playing an important role in supporting the initiative and driving its development.

Ireland employs over 80,000 people in ICT companies and employment grew strongly over the period 2009 to 2015. In 2013, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs** identified significant demand for ICT skills in Ireland. This demand for ICT talent relates not only to the software sector, but also to other sectors such as financial services, business services, retail and high-end manufacturing. Recent jobs figures suggest that ICT employment is growing faster than previously forecast.  

The Government's ICT Skills Action Plan*** focuses on meeting ICT skills needs by:

1. Increasing the output of high-level graduates,
2. Enhancing ICT capacity and awareness in the education system, and
3. Ensuring Ireland maintains a strong ICT talent pool and promoting Ireland as a centre for high-level ICT Skills.

Irish companies in the tech sector have successfully grown exports and jobs in recent years, according to Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland. "In 2015 alone, the internationally traded software companies we work with increased their exports by 32%. However, to maintain and improve growth, Irish companies need the right mix of skills and talent.  Tech/Life Ireland can give innovative Irish companies an edge in attracting the top international tech talent that can help them to scale quicker in global markets."

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: "Ireland has become a global technology hub attracting the strategic business activities of ICT companies. This has earned Ireland the reputation for being the heart of the ICT industry in Europe.  The high quality of life available in Ireland, coupled with a thriving ICT sector attracts talent from around the world. This has been a key factor in the success of multinational companies here.  IDA Ireland sees this trend continuing as more and more technology companies choose Ireland as a gateway to service the global market."

* Companies can register with the Tech/Life Ireland initiatives by going to:

https://www.techlifeireland.com/talent-registration

** The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) advises the Irish Government on current and future skills needs of the economy and on other labour market issues that impact on Ireland's enterprise and employment growth. It has a central role in ensuring that labour market needs for skilled workers are anticipated and met. Established in 1997, the EGFSN reports jointly to the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.  Their report Addressing Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills was published in 2013 and is available on www.skillsireland.ie.

*** The ICT Skills Action Plan 2014-2018 is available at:

http://www.hea.ie/sites/default/files/action_plan_ict_2014_4final_spr.pdf

Tech/Life Ireland:
@TechLifeIreland
#techIreland
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-life-ireland