Aetna Inc. Celebrates Twenty Years In Castleisland, Co. Kerry

The Tánaiste made the announcement during a celebration of Aetna's 20th anniversary of its operation in Castleisland. Recruitment is already underway for some of the new positions in the claims processing and customer service areas.

The investment will also result in additional services to Aetna customers, including a 24-hour support service for members of European-based multinational corporations.

Further reflecting Aetna's investment in the region is the recent establishment of Aetna Health Insurance Company of Europe Limited, an Ireland-based non-life insurance company, which gives Aetna Global Benefits the opportunity to further expand current operations and product and service offerings in the European-based expatriate market.

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.

Aetna offers a broad array of innovative, high-value products and services, thus enabling it to address a range of customer needs and giving it a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Its products include health management plans, indemnity products, health funds, life insurance and disability insurance.

The Tánaiste said, "I'm delighted to be here and sharing in the celebration of Aetna's 20 long and successful years in Ireland.

"It is a real testament to the quality of the operation here and the skills and dedication of the management and staff. This additional investment in the operation is excellent news for Castleisland.

"It further embeds the company in the town and brings new high quality employment opportunities to the area. This investment is an important endorsement of Aetna's commitment to its future growth and development as an integral part of its corporate operations.

"Ireland continues 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.

"As a small open economy, Ireland welcomes the continued strong interest demonstrated by some of the world's leading companies in investing and expanding here.

"Ireland has transformed as an economy over recent years, and we are well positioned to continue this transformation over coming years.

"We are pro-business, pro-European and proud to be always to the forefront of the minds of global business leaders as they make critical investment decisions," the Tánaiste added.

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.

"In 2003, we chose this site as the pilot location for our Aetna Global Benefits business serving expatriates outside the U.S.

"The pilot has proven successful, so we are moving forward with our expansion of the facility. I am proud that we are in a position to mark our 20th anniversary in Ireland with this expansion and a clear commitment for the future," she concluded.