ICT Ireland - Ireland as Location

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Title: The Irish ICT Sector at a Glance

Skilled and Motivated Workforce

The ICT services sector employs 53,000, accounting for over 7% of total services employment
The ICT manufacturing sector employs 30,000 people and accounts for almost 13% of total industrial employment
In 2006 alone, 3,386 new jobs were created in the ICT sector, representing a total increase of 2.6% in employment since 2005
In 2006, there were 210 foreign-owned ICT companies in Ireland.
The indigenous software sector employs 15,000 people in 660 companies.
Ireland is considered to have one of the best education systems in the world.
Ireland has the youngest population in Europe-35% of people are under the age of 25 years, with the median age currently 33
Ireland has the highest proportion of science and engineering graduates within the OECD
Seven of Fortune Magazine’s top-ten leading ICT companies have a substantial base in Ireland.

Innovation, Research and Development

The technology sector accounts for over half of total business expenditures on R&D.
The Industrial Development Agency Ireland invested €470 million in industry R&D projects in 2006.
The Government allocated €8.2 billion to scientific research in 2006.
Science Foundation Ireland was established in 2003 to fund centres for specific areas of research in engineering, technology and science.
Ireland ranks second in Europe in the Wallstreet Journal Index of Economic Freedom.

Low Corporation Tax Rate and a Transparent Tax System

At 12.5%, Ireland has one of the lowest corporation tax rates in the world.
Low personal tax rates and freedom of movement continue to attract non- national workers to Ireland.
A high ratio of workers to dependents enables Ireland to fund its social services without overburdening the taxpayer.

Free Economy and Business Friendly Government

Ireland ranks highest in terms of global innovation capability in an evaluation of 26 OECD countries.
According to CEO surveys, Ireland’s political parties understand today’s economic challenges and Government policy is responsive to changes in the economy.

Productivity

The sector accounts for 16% of total value added in industry and services.
GDP figures suggest that Irish productivity is among the highest in the world.

Contribution to the Irish Economy

Turnover in the ICT sector is almost €53 billion -- one-fifth of the total turnover in industry and services
Technology accounts for more than one-third of all exports.

The attached document is a copy of the ICT Ireland report , entitled Why Ireland should be your location of choice. The report, aimed at foreign corporate decision-makers, details the positive experience of the ICT multinational companies operating here, including first-hand accounts from the heads of these Irish operations.

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