The updated Ireland for Finance strategy looks to further establish Ireland as the recognised global location of choice for specialist international financial services. The 2024 Action Plan details various key measures to realise this ambition over the course of this year, in collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. There is an estimated 57,600 people now directly employed in the international financial services sector, with the industry also indirectly supporting a range of professional areas. Following on from the update to the strategy in October 2022, the new Action Plan is focused on 13 key deliverables over the remainder of the year under the five themes, namely:
- Sustainable finance
- Fintech and Digital finance
- Diversity and Talent
- Regionalisation and Promotion
- Operating Environment
This plan contains a special edition on sustainable finance.
These 13 measures are in addition to the continued work that is carried out by organisations in the public and private sectors that allow Ireland to be the location of choice for international financial services firms.
Commenting on the launch, Minister McGrath noted:
“It is my great pleasure, in partnership with my colleague Minister of State Carroll MacNeill, to launch the Action Plan 2024 under the Update to the Ireland for Finance Strategy. This plan, developed by the Department of Finance in conjunction with private and public sector partners, clearly outlines our focus for the coming year. This includes the continued development of Ireland as a centre for sustainable finance and fintech, development of the required skills for careers in the financial services industry, and promotion of and support for companies operating in the sector. With this activity, we will further establish Ireland as a premier financial centre in Europe and a location of choice for specialist international financial services.”
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“We are at a pivotal moment for the next step of international financial services in Ireland as the twin powerhouses of fintech and sustainable finance look to change the course of investment and delivery of financial services products over the coming years.
The sector continues to contribute positively to our economy and society since the establishment of the Irish Financial Services Centre some four decades ago.
Action Plan 2024 under the updated Ireland for Finance Strategy sets out how the Irish Government and industry continue in partnership to enhance the environment for financial services firms in Ireland, and to improve our competitiveness as an attractive location for innovation and for international business.”
The update to Ireland for Finance Action Plan 2024 was launched by Minister McGrath and Minister of State Carroll MacNeill ahead of their respective participation in the St Patrick’s Day Programme, where Minister McGrath will visit China while Minister of State Carroll MacNeill travels to Miami, Costa Rica and Mexico.
