Seanad debates

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Action Plan for Jobs: Statements

 

4:15 pm

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

It is a useful office and its impact continues to be important because the banking system is not fixed.

What is strong in the action plan for jobs is that we have looked to other sectors. For instance, the health sector set up a health innovation hub to examine how it could bring in innovative companies to get their first sales within the Irish health system which would then be a reference sale for them to export. We have set that up on a pilot basis in Cork. It already has six very strong projects being test-bedded within the Irish health system which gives them a reference sale. I could go through numerous examples of other areas where other Departments, not with any remit directly related to jobs have become partners in trying to create an environment that is more friendly to job creation.

It is clear that a significant amount remains to be done. Action plan 2013 is now in preparation. I would welcome submissions and ideas from Senators. We have had a consultation period which started towards the end of the summer. I met with a lot of groups and we also received many individual submissions. Much of the work from last year will carry on, for example, the audit of licences, which was conducted as part of last year?s action plan for jobs. The result of the audit will shortly be available. That material will be important in deciding whether we can simplify regulation, which is a theme that is very much on the lips of those involved in the small business sector.

We can report good progress in what we are doing but it is a work in progress and there is a long way to go, as anyone who views the Irish economy is aware. There are headwinds coming against us with the downgrade of growth prospects in all of our trading partners. That does create difficulties for exporting companies. Equally - I have been on 12 trade missions at this stage ? one can sense that our companies are much more competitive and are in a more innovative space.

They can win markets in places such as Japan, Canada and China. We are seeking to open up new markets.

I welcome the input and comments of Senators.

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