asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the specific plans being put in place to ensure that the targets for job creation in 1989-1990, as outlined in the review of progress published by the Central Review Committee of the Programme for National Recovery, are met.
Written Answers. - Job Creation.
33.
The primary job creation target under the Programme for National Recovery is 20,000 extra jobs on average per year in the manufacturing and international services sector. This target was achieved in 1988 and I am confident that it will be repeated in 1989 and 1990.
The objectives and policies which are being pursued by the Government in relation to employment creation are set out in the Programme for National Recovery. The primary objective was to restore order to the public finances and thus create a competitive environment in which industry could invest with confidence. This has been achieved and a range of practical measures to generate increased job opportunities on a sectoral basis as set out in the programme is being progressively implemented. For example, this week I met with the leaders of 33 of Ireland's most prestigious businesses to encourage them to undertake new initiatives to create wealth and jobs in Ireland. I have no doubt that, with the improvement in the business environment and the restoration of confidence in the economy, significant new job opportunities will materialise.