Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has asked a number of questions. We are using the CSO data as the authoritative data. The CSO has confirmed that the net figure of 90,000 is the relevant one for the period since the first quarter of 2012. Obviously, the agencies collect other figures. We publish the figures which are independently audited not by the agencies but by means of an independent survey. They are consistent. In the past three years we have seen a net increase of approximately 27,000 in the numbers of full-time and part-time jobs supported by IDA Ireland and a net increase of approximately 17,000 in the numbers of full-time and part-time jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland. The total figure of approximately 44,000 is consistent with the CSO's target. Obviously, there is independent tracking also. For example, Bord Fáilte tracks the tourism sector. The different sources of employment numbers are consistent in their patterns. We have defined full employment as 2.1 million people at work. I think the latest number is 1.938 million. It is clear, therefore, that there has been a substantial increase in employment as we aim to deliver on the target. It is credible that we can do this. If we are to be consistent in meeting our target, we have to reduce the unemployment level, which has decreased to 10% from 15%, to between 5% and 6%. We are factoring in a need to reduce the rate of emigration to zero.