Ireland has indeed experienced sustained solid growth in recent years. It is estimated that GNP expanded by over 7 per cent in 1995, and growth of 5 per cent is forecast this year. This growth has been reflected in strong employment growth. In the last six years the numbers at work rose by 146,000, or over 13 per cent. This is more than the number of jobs created in the previous 30 years! In 1995 alone, employment grew by a record 52,000.
This year, employment growth is expected to remain strong. My Department forecasts an increase of around 30,000 in the numbers at work this year. The available indicators to date support this view that employment will continue to increase. For example, building and construction employment increased by over 8 per cent in the year to March 1996.