Willie O'Dea
Ceist:86 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his policy on job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13154/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 March 2012
Ceisteanna (86)
Freagraí scríofa
As I have pointed out on many occasions, the Government does not create jobs — entrepreneurs and successful businesses do. However, the Government has a key role to play in providing the environment where businesses can start-up, expand and create jobs.
The Action Plan for Jobs, which was launched on 13th February, aims to transform the operating environment for business in order to support enterprise growth and job creation. The Government will achieve this objective by systematically removing obstacles to competitiveness, putting downward pressure on business costs, promoting innovation and trade, supporting new and existing businesses to develop and expand, and by deepening the impact of foreign direct investment in Ireland. The Government has also identified, in the Action Plan, a number of key sectors where Ireland can gain competitive advantage in global markets.
The Action Plan for Jobs has set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs over the period 2012 to 2016, with the longer term objective of having 2 million people at work by 2020. Of the net 100,000 jobs to be created over the next five years, 20,000 are projected to be generated directly in manufacturing, while 30,000 will be created in international traded services. An additional 50,000 jobs will be generated indirectly through spin-offs and support activities. While the Government will play the primary role in implementing the Action Plan for Jobs, we will work in partnership with the enterprise sector and the wider community to deliver the Plan's objectives.