Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expected number of jobs at risk in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7531/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The latest forecasts from the Department of Finance, as set out in the January Stability Programme Update, indicate that job losses will exceed gains with employment contracting by around 85,000 or 4% for the year as a whole. Notwithstanding this the level of employment in the economy will be close to 2 million as a result of the substantial employment gains made since the mid-1990's. Unemployment is forecast to continue to rise this year and to average 9.2% for the year as a whole. In the current global economic climate, multinational companies are restructuring their global operations leading to global job cuts. Ireland therefore will inevitably be affected. On a daily basis, IDA is working with its Clients making every effort to keep Clients operating in Ireland while minimising the job losses encountered.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is working hard to retain jobs in existing companies by improving competitiveness and access to overseas markets and focusing on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in setting up new high potential start up companies. In recognising the significant changes in the current economy EI is currently in the process of finalising its revised Strategy and Client Offer. In the interim Enterprise Ireland continues to operate under its strategy Transforming Irish Industry 2008-2010 which is focused on Growth, Innovation and Leadership Development. During 2009 Enterprise Ireland will continue to work on expanding the positions that clients have won to-date in overseas markets and will be putting additional focus on capitalising on emerging opportunities.

In addition, during 2009 the County and City Enterprise Boards will continue to support enterprise development and job creation through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance to micro-enterprises and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level.