Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
272. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that have been created by Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Agency supported businesses in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1632/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Annual Employment Survey reports on jobs in companies that are supported by the Enterprise Development agencies. The numbers of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland supported businesses in the past four years are set out in Tables 1 and 2 below.
As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, I introduced a collaborative, cross- government approach to advancing job creation in the State. The Action Plan for Jobs is an annual plan designed to drive action across all Government Departments and Agencies in a collective effort to put in place the conditions needed to support and grow employment in the State.
Enterprise Ireland’s mission is to support indigenous industry, working with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is increased employment and prosperity in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland works with High Potential Start-ups (HPSUs) with a capability to start a business and sell in export markets, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing and internationally traded services, large companies employing 250 or more, and, Irish-based food and natural resource companies that are overseas owned or controlled.
In its "End of Year Statement" published on Monday, January 12, Enterprise Ireland reported that client companies created 19,705 new jobs in 2014. This resulted in a net increase of 8,476 in the total number of people employed by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, the highest net gain in the history of the Agency. This increase in employment reinforces Enterprise Ireland’s strategy of driving innovation, scale and leadership positions in international markets and new sectors.
This continuation of employment growth demonstrates clearly the direct impact that increasing exports has on jobs in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland supported companies now, directly and indirectly, account for more than 300,000 jobs in the Irish economy - 16% of total workforce. Significantly, Enterprise Ireland clients recorded the lowest level of job losses since 2000.
Total direct employment (full and part time) in Enterprise Ireland client companies stood at 180,072 in 2014. Of these, 156,202 were full-time jobs, while 23,870 were part-time.
Total employment at IDA client companies now stands at 174,488, the highest level in the history of IDA Ireland. The job performance took place against a particularly challenging European economic environment and a changing corporate taxation landscape. IDA has now exceeded the jobs and investment targets set under its Horizon 2020 Strategy and is currently finalising a new Five Year Strategy to take the organisation into a new phase of development.
A dynamic talent pool in Ireland, improved macroeconomic conditions and a concentration on several core sectors were among the contributors to the strong 2014 performance.
There were 197 investments in 2014, equating to a 20% increase on 2013. There was a notable rise in new name investment, with 88 new name investors in 2014, equating to a 13% increase on 2013. Among the leading investments secured during the year were Amazon, Bristol Myers Squibb, Fidelity, LinkedIn, Survey Monkey, Air Bnb, PayPal, Ericsson, SAP, Johnson & Johnson, West Pharmaceuticals, Zendesk, Adroll and New Relic.
There were job gains across most sectors IDA is focused on, but particularly in digital media/content, ICT, international financial services, life sciences and business services.
Table 1 – Number of Jobs created by Enterprise Ireland
Source: Annual Employment Survey Results 2011 - 2014
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
13,719 |
17,390 |
18,033 |
19,705 |
Table 2 – Number of Jobs created by IDA
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
New Jobs Created (Gross Gains) |
14,432 |
15,215 |
15,104 |
15,012 |
