Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2018
126. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if forecasting and modelling of labour market participation rates have been carried out; and if employment forecasting and modelling to cater for Project Ireland 2040 population projections for the next 20 years has been carried out. [50033/18]
View answerThe National Planning Framework was developed through a detailed consultation process which received inputs from many Government Departments and stakeholders. The process was coordinated by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. I understand that the population projections and modelling which informs much of the analysis presented in the Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework was derived from the ESRI's research presented in 'Prospects for Irish Regions and Counties: Scenarios and Implications' (December 2017). For further details on the methodologies used in the development of the Ireland 2040 plan I would refer the Deputy to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework website: http://npf.ie/draft-of-ireland-2040
While the issue of participation rates relates more to Labour Market Policy which is outside of my Department's remit, my Department appreciates the importance of monitoring participation rates in the labour market and contributes analysis in this regard. As we draw closer to full employment, it is essential that enterprise in Ireland has access to high-quality, adaptable and flexible talent pools. My Department closely monitors the trends concerning labour market participation rates. As it stands the participation rate in Ireland (62.3%) is above the European average (58.1%) and this is the case for both men and women, as evidenced in the most recent Eurostat Labour Force Survey.
My Department actively contributes to ensuring that suitable policy responses are put in place to support continued and increased participation. For example, Action 28 of the Action Plan for Jobs 2018 commits to identifying 'relevant policy issues for cohorts with low participation rates based on patterns of labour market participation ’. My Department has lead responsibility on this action. Policy responsibility for participation rates falls across multiple government departments and my Department is currently working with these departments to ensure the completion of this action by the end of the year.
On 18 July last, the Government agreed to the development of Future Jobs, a new programme of focused actions for 2019, and thereafter, which will form a key part of Ireland’s economic agenda over the medium term. This is a whole of government approach aiming to: enhance productivity; ensure quality and sustainable jobs; and build a resilient and innovative economy. It will ensure we are well positioned to adapt to the technological and other transformational changes our economy and society will face in the years ahead.
The development and implementation of Future Jobs is being led jointly by the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department and is organised around five pillars one of which is increasing participation in the workforce. Improving participation rates means a more equitable, balanced and sustainable development of our workforce and is premised on the view that policies must differentiate between the different needs of people as well as the different barriers to participation.
These objectives were strongly supported by participants at the successful national summit on Future Jobs which took place on 22nd November last which brought together over 200 attendees representing employers, workers, academia, civic society, state agencies and public administration to discuss future challenges and opportunities with myself and other ministerial colleagues.
