Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he expects to achieve targets in respect of job retention and job creation in the current year; the extent to which job creation targets as predicted by IBEC are likely to be achieved; if he has identified any particular issues likely to impact on performance in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17472/14]
View answerWhen the Government published its first Action Plan for Jobs in 2012, it set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs by 2016 by transforming the operating environment for businesses in Ireland. This multi-annual target continues to be the focus of the Action Plan for Jobs.
The most recent Quarterly National Household Survey figures published by the Central Statistics Office show that we are making progress towards the Action Plan for Jobs target. In Quarter 4 2013, the number of people in employment increased by 61,000 year-on-year, net of reductions in the public sector. This was the fifth quarter in succession where employment grew on an annual basis.
Employment increased in 10 of the 14 economic sectors, including Agriculture, Tourism, and Professional and Scientific activities. All of these areas are a focus for the Action Plan for Jobs. Before this Government came into office, the economy was losing an average of 1,600 jobs per week. However, based on the policies the Government has pursued in fixing the banking system, stabilising the public finances and focusing on employment, we are now seeing an average of 1,200 jobs being created each week in the enterprise sector.
I am aware that IBEC has predicted a positive year for jobs growth in 2014, and has estimated that 50,000 new jobs will be created this year. The ESRI has also forecast a similar level of jobs growth in its latest Quarterly Economic Commentary.
While these independent forecasts are encouraging, the Government is very much aware of the fact that, as a small open economy, Ireland is very sensitive to global developments. However, the Government’s objective is to build a competitive and sustainable economy based on enterprise, innovation and exports across a range of sectors. We are doing this through the Action Plan for Jobs process, which this year places a particular focus on supporting entrepreneurship and improving competitiveness.
