Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In spite of challenging headwinds for the global economy in recent years, including the far-reaching impacts of Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Ireland has continued to perform extremely well in both employment and trade. Reaching 2.57 million in quarter 4 of last year, we now have more people employed than ever before. Female participation in the workplace is at an all-time high and youth unemployment remains low. Irish trade continues to perform well, with goods exports totalling €16.5 billion in February 2023, an increase of 4% compared with the previous year.

The numbers of persons directly employed by IDA Ireland multinational clients in Ireland in 2022 reached 301,475, the highest FDI employment level ever, and a 9% increase on 2021. A total of 19,660 new jobs were created at Enterprise Ireland companies last year, with employment at 218,000 across all supported firms. Exports from Enterprise Ireland companies grew by 19% last year, the highest ever level of growth for Enterprise Ireland-backed companies in terms of export value.

The White Paper on enterprise published in December last year outlines the Government’s approach to enterprise policy for the period to 2030. It details how we will deliver on our ambition of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced and sustainable economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprises and thriving local businesses. The White Paper seeks to ensure Ireland’s enterprise policy is oriented to protect Ireland’s strong economic position and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities arising from digitalisation, global economic and geopolitical developments, and the urgent need to decarbonise the economy. We are making a big step forward on that today with the announcement of the results of the first big offshore wind auction.

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