Job Creation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014

Thursday, 23 January 2014

Ceisteanna (10, 11)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

10. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation having regard to the experience to date, the extent to which he expects new, extra job opportunities to emerge in the coming year with particular reference to the ongoing need to maximise the potential in the manufacturing and service sectors through the medium of innovation both in respect of the indigenous and foreign direct investment sectors; the degree to which he expects employment prospects to emerge for both males and females over the next three years with consequent impact on the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2896/14]

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

11. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures being taken to achieve the target of increasing employment in the manufacturing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/14]

Freagraí ó Béal (4 píosaí cainte)

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

The purpose of this question is to emphasise the need to maximise the job opportunities in both the manufacturing and services sectors for males and females, and for the young, at a competitive time internationally.

Deputy Sean Sherlock

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.

Overall, in 2014, we have set a target for gross job creation across the enterprise agencies of 27,500: 13,000 in IDA Ireland, 12,000 in Enterprise Ireland, and 2,500 for the LEOs. Targets are not set for individual sectors or the gender breakdown of job opportunities. However, I intend placing a particular focus on manufacturing in 2014.

The sector had lost 50,000 jobs in the years up to 2010. It has seen a modest return to growth in employment over the past few years, with an additional 8,000 jobs having been created in the past year alone. There are now 213,600 directly employed in the sector in Ireland and when account is taken of indirect jobs supported, it now supports more than 427,000.

The Forfás strategy for the manufacturing sector, which the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, commissioned, identified that an additional 20,000 jobs can be created in the sector by 2016. A complementary report was also published on skills needs by the expert group on future skills needs and Forfás.

Arising from the strategy and the skills report, there are now a range of initiatives in hand by the Department and relevant agencies to drive the 2016 target, with key actions from both reports having been incorporated into the Action Plan for Jobs. The manufacturing development forum is helping to address the key issues arising from the strategy recommendations which include delivering a national step change initiative to strengthen Ireland's manufacturing base across all firms, addressing perceptions of the sector as a career choice and removing barriers to the competitiveness of the sector in Ireland.

As the Deputy will realise, innovation is a key characteristic of growing companies in both the manufacturing and services sectors, but it is not possible to disaggregate the contribution made by innovation towards overall job creation in those sectors. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland provide a range of innovation and technology development programmes that deliver financial, technical and experiential support. These programmes help companies become more innovative and encourage and support competitiveness.

Taken together, we are confident that the measures I have outlined above will help grow sales and exports in the manufacturing and services sectors which in turn will lead to sustainable employment and a reduction in the live register.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply.

Is cognisance taken of deficiencies in telecommunications in various parts of the country in terms of the ability of the IT sector to meet modern requirements to the fullest possible extent? To what extent does the inclusion of innovation and technologically laden enterprises rely on an adequate, efficient, modern and fast telecommunications system? Have those issues been researched fully and addressed to the extent of satisfying possible investors, whether they be indigenous or overseas?

Deputy Sean Sherlock

No doubt cognisance would have to be taken of parts of the country where there are deficiencies. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, announced this morning an initiative to address broadband needs. In those parts of the country where, for instance, there is mainly familial-type manufacturing businesses that operate outside of larger conurbations, there are certain deficits but we are confident that those deficits will be addressed in the short term.

Written Answers follow Adjournment.