Facebook has announced that it is creating 100 new jobs by further expanding its European Headquarters on Hanover Quay in Dublin 2. This announcement has further cemented the Dublin docklands’ position as a world class IT hub.

We want Dublin to be the high-tech capital of Europe, and having companies like Facebook anchor their European Headquarters here is an essential part of that.

I had the opportunity to meet with senior executives from Facebook when visiting their Headquarters in Palo Alto. They were very excited about their operations in Dublin and it’s great to see them expanding their European headquarters here, boosting their workforce in the capital to 500. This is a very strong endorsement from the company, and sends out a hugely positive message to other potential investors.

The Government’s strategy for this sector – in particular Minister Richard Bruton’s dedicated efforts in promoting Ireland and attracting so much inward investment – is clearly paying off.

Facebook is one of the world’s biggest internet companies. Its presence alongside Google, LinkedIn and Twitter, helps to attract further inward investment into the area. Dublin has now become known as a hub of high-tech talent; this is a reputation the Government is determined to build on.

This announcement isn’t just a boost for the tech sector though. While the expansion means 100 new jobs in ICT, research from Sean O’Sullivan and OpenIreland shows an additional four spin-off jobs will be created for each of those tech jobs, here in Dublin. And if that happens, that will be a major additional boost.

With the Action Plan for Jobs 2013 due in the next few weeks, I’m expecting further measures to help build this sector. This will hopefully include a technology visa, to make it easier for foreign talent to come here and help expand international players like Facebook, and also build up our own indigenous enterprise.

These new jobs in Facebook are across a range of disciplines and hiring is already underway. Anyone interested in applying can check out www.facebook.com/jobs.