Former taoiseach John Bruton is to become the chairman of IFSC Ireland, a group formed to promote the International Financial Services Centre internationally, it was announced today.
Mr Bruton said his priority will be to bring jobs to ireland. The role will involve promoting the country as a location of choice for international financial services, to help develop the IFSC and act as a point of contact and advice for potential investors.
"The international financial services industry in this country has remained resilient throughout the global downturn and is continuing to act as a source of well paid employment, particularly for young qualified graduates," he said.
"This key group will be the mainstay of our economic recovery and I am particularly pleased to be asked to play a part in ensuring that we continue to generate new employment opportunities in the IFSC for our young people."
IFSC Ireland is funded by the Irish Funds Industry Association, Financial Services Ireland, the Federation of International Banks in Ireland, the Institute of Bankers, the Irish Stock Exchange, the Irish Association of Investment Managers and the Dublin International Insurance and Management Association.
IDA Ireland welcomed the news, and said it would support the group.
"We believe there are significant investment opportunities for Ireland to win across a broad range of activities within the industry. These will generate highly skilled employment thereby assisting our economic growth and recovery," said chief executive Barry O'Leary.
