In a move that will create 350 new jobs, Andersen Consulting is to build a European shared services centre in Dublin. The project, which will be announced today by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, will see the Irish operation supply procurement, information technology, personnel and other back-up services for the partnership in 16 countries.

Both Ms Harney and IDA Ireland are said to regard this investment as something of a coup because Andersen intends to use the operation as a showcase for centralised shared services for its clients. This would see a permanent procession of top executives from international companies in Dublin to view the business, and place the IDA in a strong position to convince these companies to locate their own centres here.

"This is a major deal, a real breakthrough," one industry source said. The 350 posts will be created over three years, and will require a wide range of skills from leaving certificate level to information technology (IT) specialists and managerial professionals.

The firm already employs 250 people at its Dublin offices and specialises in advising companies on managing change and strategic development.

In June, Andersen Consulting said it would hire 150 new executives over the next two years to cope with increased business.

Globally, the partnership employs more than 60,000 people in 46 countries. It has a combined turnover of $6.6 billion (£4.7 billion).