Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2014
13. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the launch of distinct employment strategies for the regions as envisaged in the Action Plan for Jobs. [48148/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am encouraged by the level of interest the House is showing in the delivery of the new Regional Enterprise Strategies which my Department is leading on. As I have mentioned previously, the Government recognises the need to put a greater emphasis on supporting enterprise growth and job creation at regional level.
While employment has increased nationally by approximately 80,000 since the start of the Action Plan for Jobs process in 2012 regions of the country which have faced difficulty in recent years are now showing strong employment growth – with the Border, West, Mid West, South West and South East showing the strongest jobs results in the past quarter. The pace of progress in the regions – and especially those with the highest unemployment levels - needs to be accelerated through targeted supports for enterprise growth and job creation.
Vibrant and competitive regions are important, not just from an economic perspective, but also from a societal point of view. Growing the economic base of regions will support social cohesion and provide opportunities for young people, in particular, to continue to live and work in their local communities.
My Department has developed a framework for Regional Enterprise Strategies which will be applied to produce action-oriented plans to support enterprise growth and jobs in the regions, commencing with the Midlands in the New Year, followed by the South East region. Similar strategies for the other regions will be developed over the course of the year, on a phased basis.
Developing the jobs potential of the regions can best be achieved through better coordination and collaboration by all stakeholders operating within the region, including the enterprise agencies, other public bodies, education and skills providers, and enterprise itself. Consultation with regional stakeholders is a fundamental part of developing the Regional Enterprise Strategies.
My officials have also been working closely with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure that the Regional Enterprise Strategies will dove-tail with, and contribute to, the Local Economic and Community Plans to be developed over the coming year by the Local Authorities, and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies to be prepared by the Regional Assemblies.
The aim of the Action Plan for Jobs is to help enterprises to create employment in all regions of the country. If we are to do this successfully, it is important that each region builds on its particular strengths and assets to provide an environment that stimulates entrepreneurship and attracts both indigenous and foreign investment. The 2015 Action Plan for Jobs, which I am currently finalising on behalf of the Government, will build on the work we have commenced in 2014 and place a strong emphasis on enterprise and jobs at regional level.
