Seventy new jobs are to be created at Aetna, a US-headquartered health benefits company in Castleisland, Co Kerry.
The positions will be created over the next three years and recruitment is underway for some of the positions in the claims processing and customer services areas.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan made the announcement today during a celebration of Aetna's 20th anniversary of its operation, supported by the IDA, in Castleisland.
Aetna acquired the Castleisland operation in 1998 following its acquisition of the New York Life Insurance Corporation, which had established the facility in 1988 as a claims processing centre.
The company's products include health management plans, indemnity products, health funds, life insurance and disability insurance.
The Tanaiste said the announcement was "excellent news" for Castleisland.
"It is a real testament to the quality of the operation here and the skills and dedication of the management and staff. It further embeds the company in the town and brings new high quality employment opportunities to the area," she said.
Ms Coughlan said Ireland continued to be one of the most attractive places in the world as a location for global business.
"With our highly educated, skilled and adaptable workforce, our strong focus on R&D and knowledge, and our can-do, responsive and open attitude, we remain a location of choice," she said.
Martha R. Temple, President of Aetna Global Benefits, said the Castleisland facility has gained an excellent reputation within Aetna as "having a highly skilled and productive workforce."