The National College of Ireland has launched a new programme which it hopes will open up the financial sector here to sections of the community usually excluded from the likes of the IFSC.
The college is setting up an education programme which aims to provide 300 members of disadvantaged communities with jobs in the financial sector.
The 'Progressions' initiative is being supported by the State Street Corporation, Dermot Desmond and industry experts from the Institute of Bankers, Irish Funds Industry Association and Irish Banking Federation.
It will target residents aged 17 and older in the Docklands and inner city areas in Dublin, as well as other disadvantaged communities.
'Despite the economic downturn, the financial services sector must demonstrate a commitment to job creation and to the communities in which we do business,' commented William Slattery, head of State Street Ireland.
