A new scheme has been launched in Ireland that is intended to increase the number of jobs available in the country by 117,000 over the coming decade.

The body comprises leading industrialists and public servants and is being led by enterprise, trade and innovation minister Batt O'Keeffe.

Described by the government as a "high-level implementation group", it is charged with implementing recommendations made by the Innovation Taskforce in a report released in March.

Mr O'Keeffe has unveiled the membership of the panel, which he claims represents "high-caliber and target-driven" individuals.

"We want to make Ireland the best place in Europe to turn research and knowledge into products and services," he declared, adding the initiative will provide support to small and medium-sized businesses.

Further employment opportunities are likely to result from the news that €15 million worth of new business has been secured by Irish companies participating in a trade mission to Australia led by minister for trade and commerce Billy Kelleher.

Posted by Alex Donnell