Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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10. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his assessment of job creation in Dublin over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37939/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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What is the Minister's assessment of job creation in Dublin? How many new jobs have been created and, in particular, how many of these have been created for graduates? Is the figure in line with his targets?

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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A key objective of the Action Plan for Jobs process, which the Government commenced in 2012, was to rebuild our economy based on enterprise and entrepreneurship, talent, innovation and exports and provide a solid foundation for future growth. The goal of the Government has been to replace all of the jobs lost during the economic crisis and deliver sustainable full employment by the end of 2018. This whole of Government effort has been integrated into the Action Plan for Jobs process which aims to strengthen the enterprise base, support entrepreneurship, improve competitiveness and support job creation in Dublin and in every region.

Significant progress has been made in Dublin. Since the Action Plan for Jobs was launched, some 50,000 additional people are back at work in Dublin. This compares with job losses of 90,000 in the period 2008–11. The trend in employment in enterprises supported by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland has been similar. Such enterprises created a net 20,000 jobs in the period 2011–14 compared to 10,000 job losses in the earlier period. In the past year, net employment growth in Dublin was 15,400. There was expansion in all categories of enterprise supported by my Department. This included 3,700 in IDA supported enterprises, 2,350 in EI supported enterprises and 793 in local enterprise office, LEO, supported enterprises.

While good progress is being made, the Government is not complacent about the challenge of achieving sustainable full employment over the medium term in all regions, including Dublin. As part of the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs, we launched the process for developing action plans for every region. The work on the preparation of the Dublin action plan for jobs is currently under way and will set ambitious targets for the region over the coming years to realise the potential of sustainable full employment and improved standards of living for the people of Dublin.

Deputy Flanagan also raised the issue of the employment experience of graduates, but I do not think the CSO gathers data on the net change. However, in terms of the areas in which we have visibility, such as the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, a significant share of graduates are obtaining opportunities in those companies. There is a high skill content to most of the growth in those sectors, so there are good opportunities for graduates, particularly those in the technology, engineering, mathematics field. There is strong performance in both pharma and ICT sectors.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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The retention of nurses, doctors and graduates has been a major issue of concern in this country. We have lost many of them to the United Kingdom and other countries. What emphasis is being placed on ensuring that people who have spent so many years studying here get opportunities? We hear from many graduates that they have no option but to emigrate because of the lack of opportunity. I understand that as the economy picks up, more opportunities will arise, particularly for graduates. Emigration figures show that one out of every six people born in Ireland lives abroad. Many of these are abroad by choice, but there are some people who want to return, but they do not see the opportunities to do so. The Minister's narrative is that he is trying to create opportunities in order to get emigrants, particularly some of those who have emigrated in recent years, to return to Ireland to contribute here. Is he doing anything specific in that regard?

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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We will open a portal to allow individuals who are abroad see where there are opportunities emerging in Ireland. There is strong growth in ICT, financial services, bio-pharma and other sectors. The food sector is doing extraordinarily well and the Kerry Group recently filled 900 posts in its research centre. There are thriving and strong areas and opportunities and there are signs there is the beginning of a return flow of emigrants to Ireland. Net emigration is down to one third of what it was at its peak, so we are making headway.

In respect of nurses and doctors, these positions are not in my direct area. However, the Minister for Health has stated there are 3,000 additional people at work in our hospitals compared to a year ago. Therefore, there are opportunities opening for doctors and nurses in the health system. As we continue to see jobs recovery in the wider economy, this will allow us fund improved services in health areas that offer opportunities in those fields.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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I thank the Minister for his response. In regard to doctors and nurses, they do not get the opportunities here to become specialists in different areas and not enough sweeteners are provided to persuade nurses who have emigrated to return. Many well trained people have emigrated over the past years. The message I want from the Minister today is one that will give hope to graduates that opportunities will improve.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I assure the Deputy that opportunities for graduates are very strong in the sectors where I have direct responsibility. As I said to Deputy Durkan, the issue in some areas is a skill shortage, particularly in the technology area. There is a need and desire to see people with qualifications return. In regard to conditions in the health area, that is a matter the Deputy will have to take up with other Ministers. It is heartening to see growth in the numbers employed in the health system and this opens opportunities for people in the sector.