Vol. 510 No. 2
23 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has in place, particularly addressing labour market pressures, to ensure that the econ omy remains competitive and continues to deliver improvements in the quality of life for all its citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21885/99]
86 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recent ESRI survey which shows over 50,000 vacancies which cannot be filled; the action, if any, she proposes to rectify this serious problem for many industries and service businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22053/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 86 together.
I refer Deputies Perry and Owen to my earlier reply to Priority Question No. 4 in response to Deputy Perry, which indicates the main thrust of the actions being taken to meet our current labour market challenges.
Employment policies are an important dimension to the development of a dynamic and competitive economy. The employment action plan approved by Government in June of this year sets the strategic framework for the development and implementation of the wide range and mix of policies aimed at promoting employment and enhancing the operation of our labour market. The very positive labour market indicators which were released last month when the Central Statistics Office published their Spring 1999 Quarterly National Household Survey is evidence that current policies are proving effective. Employment has increased by a further 96,000, or 6.5%, on top of a similar increase in the previous year. The labour force increased at a healthy 67,000, or in excess of 4%. Unemployment declined by a further 30,000. These are superb outcomes by any standard.
The significant and rapid growth in employment which we have recently achieved facilitates enhanced wealth generation. It enables us fund, through the increase in revenue arising from additional numbers at work, the development of our physical and human capital infrastructural requirements, and to provide appropriate additional social services supports to enhance the quality of life of all our citizens.
