McAleese praises Irish entrepreneurs

President Mary McAleese has hailed Irish entrepreneurs and Ireland’s film making tradition during a speech in Los Angeles.

Speaking yesterday during a reception hosted by Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Film Board at the Warner Brothers Studio, Mrs McAleese said Irish entrepreneurs are fast expanding their footprint in the United States.

She noted there were more than 200 Irish companies with offices in the United States, employing over 80,000 Americans. “These companies grew their business to the US by 16 per cent last year, which is testament to the calibre of the technology and solutions that they offer in this major market,” she said.

“Start-up business activity in Ireland is one of the strongest in Europe with investment in leading-edge product and service firms coming from investors in Ireland and overseas.”

Mrs McAleese also referred to the “ties forged between our two countries through the medium of entertainment” and the “proud relationship” of film-making between Hollywood and Ireland.

“Creativity is in the Irish DNA - generations of Irish actors, directors, writers, designers and film-makers have made their names in Hollywood, and have inspired, excited and entertained so many on the big screen.

“More recent years have seen the flourishing of that creativity gene in a new generation of entrepreneurs who are technologically innovative and market-intuitive, and they have made their mark on this industry too.”

The President said the filming tax incentive Section 481 continues to attract leading film and television projects to shoot on location in Ireland with its contribution of up to 20 per cent.

She added the Irish Film Board is seeking to attract more North American film and television projects to shoot in Ireland.

The President is on a week-long trip to the west coast of the United States. The visit, which began on Tuesday, is intended to strengthen trade, business and cultural links.

Ms McAleese has already visited San Francisco, Oregon, and Phoenix, Arizona.