IRELAND'S Jobs Minister is "confident" a United States trade mission will generate employment from some of the world's biggest companies.
Richard Bruton is leading the four-day mission to New York, New Jersey and Boston.
Speaking ahead of his departure Mr Bruton said: "I am confident that jobs will be created in towns and cities right across the country as a result of this trade and investment mission as has happened in the past following previous trade missions."
It is Mr Bruton's 29th investment trip since becoming minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation and is part of a strategy to boost exports.
He will be accompanied by Martin Shanahan, chief executive of the Industrial Development Agency.
Mr Bruton added: "Multi-nationals continue to create jobs in Ireland and this has a knock-on positive effect on employment right across the country.
"On this trade mission to the US I will be discussing specific job projects throughout Ireland with a total of 18 leading global companies including some of the most established global corporate brands."