Elon Musk joins Taoiseach for a fireside chat

Ireland needs engineering talent to build technology companies, and Ireland should make some changes to attract that, Elon Musk told the Web Summit.

The event went out on a high note as attendees crowded the main hall to watch Paypal founder and Tesla chief Musk in a fireside chat with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Shervin Pishevar.

The speakers had some advice for the Taoiseach, with Musk suggesting that tuition for engineering skills should be free of charge, with the condition that they stay in Ireland and maybe create a company here.

“You need that concentration of technical talent,” he said.

Musk arrived at the main stage in one of his own Tesla cars, and talked of his fear of failure, the challenge of changing the perception of the electric car and his dreams for the future, which include a base on Mars.

“There needs to be things that are inspiring, that make you want to get out of bed in the morning,” he said. “Having a bright future in space is one of those things.”

The Taoiseach, meanwhile, tried to persuade the Tesla chief to set up in Ireland, emulating carmaker Henry Ford.

Although it’s not yet clear if the Taoiseach’s ploy will be successful, there may be other companies willing to take a chance on Ireland.