Legato to take on 80 more staff at R&D base in Limerick

Multinational data analyst Legato plans to hire 80 more workers at its Irish research and development base, bringing total jobs here to 200.

Part of US health insurance giant Anthem, Legato last year opened a research and development facility in Limerick, where it has so far recruited 120 staff.

The company confirmed on Thursday that it was seeking a further 80 software engineers and data scientists to work there, boosting its total workforce to 200.

John Patrick Shaw, country head of Legato Health Technologies Ireland, indicated the company was unlikely to stop at that number.

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He noted that Legato was heading for 200 staff from a “standing start” when it opened in September.

“That’s a trajectory we intend to continue,” he said. Legato hopes to fill the new posts by summer 2023.

Artificial intelligence

The company uses artificial intelligence and data analysis to make health insurance more focused and efficient, saving insurers and patients cash.

Its research and development centre in Limerick will aid this by helping to identify individual and wider risks that could require medical intervention.

Kieran Donoghue, global head of international financial services with State development agency IDA Ireland, which supported Legato's investment, said the news was a boost for the mid-west.

“Winning jobs and investments in regional locations is central to IDA Ireland’s strategy,” he added.

Robert Troy, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, said Legato's announcement reflected the company's commitment to its Irish base.

“We wish the company well on its ongoing expansion and will continue to support their investment in Limerick and the mid-west region,” he said.

Legato’s owner, New York-listed Anthem, is one of the United States’ biggest health insurers. At the end of March, its total assets were $100.5 billion (€96 billion).