Plans to establish a new financial services skills centre were announced by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin today.
The centre, a first for Ireland, will provide assistance and research within the financial services area. Mr Ahern also said he would provide funds for educational programmes aimed at alleviating existing and future shortages within the financial services industry.
He said the International Financial Services Skills Fund would be set up following the findings of an expert group on future skills needs.
The Taoiseach made the announcement during the launch of a report (Building on Success) charting the future of the international financial services industry in Ireland.
Mr Ahern said although the growth of the international financial services industry in Ireland was an "amazing success" the report features a number of "important initiatives" designed to support the future development of the industry.
"Ireland is moving towards becoming a knowledge society and jobs are becoming increasingly higher skilled and specialised. Having a high-quality education framework for the financial sector is central to innovation in the industry," he added.
Meanwhile, the Financial Regulator welcomed the publication of the report calling it a "very significant road map" for the future development of the international financial services industry here.