New figures show the number of people employed in the multinational sector is at its highest level ever.
IDA Ireland says 229,057 now work in the sector, with the largest regional employment growth in 17 years.
Almost 60% of employment was outside of Dublin in 2018, which is the highest number of people employed by IDA clients outside the capital in the history of the organisation.
Its annual report also shows that 22,785 jobs were created in foreign direct investment (FDI) companies last year.
FDI employment growth stands at 7%, compared to national average of 3%.
FDI exports also experienced growth of 10% and an increase of 8% in the amount spent in the Irish economy - this now stands at over €19.2bn.
IDA client firms account for an estimated two-thirds of Ireland's corporation tax and one-third of combined income tax, USC and employer PRSI tax.
Investment outside main cities
Welcoming the results, Business Minister Heather Humphreys said: "The IDA's record results for 2018 underline how strongly Ireland continues to perform when it comes to attracting FDI.
"The significant increase achieved in employment is all the more impressive considering the highly competitive global FDI marketplace in which Ireland and the IDA operate."
"I particularly welcome the gains made in deepening and growing investment outside of Ireland's main cities, with the largest regional employment growth achieved in 17 years.
Source: IDA Ireland
"58% of all IDA client-supported jobs are now located outside Dublin, with every region of the country seeing employment gains in 2018.
"These figures reflect the resources provided by the Government through the agency to grow investment right across the country".
CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan added: "Once again, the 2018 figures show a consistent pattern of extremely strong job creation amongst IDA client companies in recent years.
"It is important to remember that only 10 years ago, across 2008 and 2009, Ireland lost over 35,000 FDI jobs during the global financial crisis.
"This is a salutary reminder that we can take nothing for granted and we need to be vigilant, particularly in relation to our competitiveness.
"All jobs are fought for and won against increasing international competition."
Brexit-related investments
On Brexit, IDA Ireland said it has continued to secure a "substantial number" of Brexit-related investments in 2018.
The overall figure now stands at more than 55 for investment approved with over 4,500 associated jobs.
It said Ireland's advantages in a post-Brexit context include English language, commitment to the EU, a common law system and an existing competitive proposition.
Companies like Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Legal & General, Everest Re, Central Pharma, The Standard Club, Coinbase, Citi Group, Barclays, AXA XL and Thomson Reuters have all declared a new or expanded presence here in 2018.
