Speech by An Taoiseach at St. Patrick’s Day Parade- Atlanta

During the recent economic crisis the Irish people gave a clear mandate to a new government – to fix the public finances and get our country working again.

Today, thanks to the sacrifices of the Irish people and the decisions taken by Government I can say with confidence that the economic recovery has taken hold. The evidence is now clear.

The European Commission forecasts that Ireland will have the fastest growth rate in the EU in 2015 for the second year running.

Investment is up, growing more than 14% last year with strong signals of confidence across the business sector, suggesting this strong growth is set to continue.

We see positive trends also in our tourism statistics, in retail sales, in consumer sentiment, all pointing to renewed confidence in both the business sector and amongst the general public.

Unemployment has come down now to 10% from 15%. 

The plan is that by 2018 everybody who wants a job in Ireland can get one.  For this reason job creation remains our top priority.

I know Atlanta multinationals like Coca-Cola and UPS can vouch for the quality of our graduates and the calibre of their work: 

We’re a highly educated and flexible workforce.

We’re an English-speaking gateway to a European Union of more than 500 million consumers.

We have a stable and highly competitive business environment with a 12.5% corporation tax and strong incentives for research and development. 

More than 1,000 overseas companies have chosen Ireland as their strategic base in Europe.  They share the assessment of Forbes magazine that ranks Ireland the best country in the eurozone to do business.

Diaspora 
In Ireland, the economic crash saw the Irish Diaspora connect together in a way never been possible before.  

And for all we re-build in politics or finance or economics, we know that our real wealth is in the bond of love and kindness of our family, and of insight and understanding of our friends – at home and abroad.

And to recognise the importance of this relationship, I appointed Ireland’s first Minister for Diaspora Affairs into my own
Government Department. The Diaspora is now right at the heart of government business.    

Immigration Reform 
Today as we celebrate St Patrick, himself an immigrant, we remember our Irish-American family who are living ‘Undocumented’. 

The issues here are delicate, complex.

Think of what Immigration reform can give this nation’s economy – what it can do for jobs and growth. 

Addressing the Undocumented, addresses your national economic need and the very human need of those living in the shadow. 

It is in all our interests to find and develop legal means for our brightest and best to work in each others’ countries.  

The Irish Government and I personally, will continue to lobby intensively for reform, including a path to citizenship for our undocumented Irish and a legal means for more Irish people to be able to come here to work and contribute to American society. 

Now – to Dave Fitzgerald – thank you for your great work in chairing this Parade Committee these last 4 years. 

With his County Kerry roots, I know Dave is a greatly valued member of our Global Irish Network. 

And to the new US Senator for the State of Georgia, David Purdue – Cead Mile Failte!   Senator Perdue, thank you for being with us here this morning.

Congratulations on your election victory in November.  You bring a huge amount of expertise and I look forward to working with you in the coming years as we deepen the bond between Ireland, the US and the great state of Georgia.  

I also must remember a great Irish American and friend, Don Keough. 

In his leadership of the Coca-Cola Company, he was a  true believer in the ability of Ireland.  

He spear-headed the opening of new operations which have proved hugely successful for Coke. 

He was also a remarkable philanthropist who did so much to bring an appreciation of Irish culture to thousands of young people.  Our thoughts have been with the whole family these last few weeks.

Conclusion 
During my visit to Atlanta, I have been struck by the vibrancy of our many links and by a confidence in the future potential.  

I want to extend my best wishes to all the elected officials who are here with us today.  The city of Atlanta has become a global economic hub, and it is a tribute to the leadership of the city, the region and the State.  This is a message I shared when I met yesterday with Governor Deal and Mayor Reed.

With that, I want to thank you again for your warm welcome here in Atlanta.  I hope you all enjoy the parade and I wish you all a happy St. Patrick’s Day – Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Phádraig daoibh go  léir.