Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
553. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37296/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 sustainable jobs.
The Action Plan for Jobs, which was published on 13 February last, sets out a series of clear, actionable measures to support the creation and retention of jobs by improving supports for business and removing barriers to employment-creation. The Plan contains over 270 actions to be implemented across all Government Departments, as well as 36 State agencies.
The Action Plan 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 as part of our goal of making Ireland the best small country in which to do business.
Although it is only seven months since the Action Plan was published, some very significant objectives have already been achieved across Government. From my own Department’s perspective, I have introduced legislation underpinning the Microfinance Fund and the Partial Credit Guarantee scheme. I have launched a new Development Capital Fund aimed at addressing funding gaps for mid-sized high-growth companies. I have announced a second global call under Innovation Fund Ireland, encouraging top venture capitalists to signal their interest in establishing a presence in Ireland.
Amongst the many actions delivered by Enterprise Ireland to date are the establishment of a new Potential Exporters Division to help more Irish companies to trade in foreign markets. Enterprise Ireland have also launched a Women in Business Initiative and rolled out a new €2 million Clustering programme. IDA Ireland has launched the Succeed in Ireland scheme, aimed at generating 5,000 jobs in the next five years, and has continued to work hard to attract new investments.
It is not possible to indicate the exact number of positions which have been filled as a result of the measures put in place to date from the Action Plan for Jobs. It is also important to remember that the Action Plan is designed to support existing jobs, as well as encouraging new employment. What is clear, however, is that the Action Plan is beginning to show tangible results. Figures published last week by the CSO indicate that our exports for July 2012, at almost €8 billion, showed a 13% increase over July 2011, and a 6% increase on the June 2012 figure. IDA Ireland has also announced the creation of over 3,000 jobs since the start of the year, right across the country. Employment in the tourism sector increased by 8,700 in the period March 2011 to March 2012. The employment created through these developments will also support other jobs in the supply chain.
I am confident that through the continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs across Government, we will accelerate the transition to economic recovery and provide a strong foundation for sustainable jobs.
