Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

90 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the net number of new jobs created in the past 12 months; the number lost in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29857/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

The latest data from the CSO shows that in the year ended May 2003 total employment increased from 1,749,900 to 1,778,300, a net increase of 28,400. This represents a very strong performance in the face of a global downturn in business activity. Our recent achievement in creating employment across the economy demonstrates that Government policies over the past few years have helped us to be more resilient to global business difficulties and better able to manage our economy when world-wide economic growth falters.

Employment in firms assisted by the enterprise support agencies is collated by means of an annual employment survey. Information in respect of 2003 is not yet available, as the survey has not been completed. Figures from the 2003 survey will be available early in 2004.

Companies supported by the development agencies created more than 25,000 permanent full-time jobs in 2002, a strong achievement in the context of difficult economic conditions. However, these employment gains were out-weighed by job losses of just over 35,000, as the economic downturn impacted on firms' ability to sustain and expand employment. Conditions in the global economy have remained slow for much of 2003, and it is expected that this will have a continued impact on Ireland. While I take this seriously, there has nonetheless been a 50% increase in employment in the country over the last decade.

The Government and the economic development agencies are undertaking a number of co-ordinated strategies to sustain and promote growth in industrial employment, with the intention of promoting greater competition in the non-traded services sectors of the economy and increasing emphasis on the importance of research and development and new process and product innovation. We are also accelerating delivery of vital economic infrastructure for businesses including broadband, roads, electricity and waste management. Furthermore, I have recently set up a new enterprise strategy group, under the chairmanship of Eoin O'Driscoll, to recommend and prioritise new strategies and policies to ensure that the prosperity we enjoyed in the last decade will continue into the future. I have asked the group to examine the issues that I and my Government colleagues need to take into account to help strengthen our enterprise environment, to promote an innovation and knowledge driven economy and help sustain those industries already providing employment here. The group is working towards submitting a report to me by the middle of 2004.