Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress made to date in respect of the realisation of job creation targets in the manufacturing and service sectors through the country on a monthly basis over the past 36 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20858/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Job creation is at the top of the Government's agenda. Since we came into office, we have been working hard to create the improved economic conditions which will support the maintenance of existing jobs and the creation of new ones. Our objective is to put the country back on the road to economic recovery and full employment. The Action Plan for Jobs, which I launched on 13 February, outlines the Government's plan to rebuild the economy and create jobs. The plan includes measures aimed at exploiting sectoral opportunities, including those in the manufacturing and services sectors.

The measures planned include the establishment of a Manufacturing Development Forum (MDF) to assist the Government in identifying the needs of manufacturing enterprises and to progress a transformation agenda in this area. With the assistance of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, we will seek out new investment in manufacturing, particularly in the growth areas of the sector.

In terms of the services sector, the Action Plan outlines a range of sectoral initiatives, with particular focus on International Financial Services, Business Process Outsourcing/Shared Services, Education Services, Retail and Wholesale, Tourism, Construction Services and ICT Services. Details of the sectoral actions can be found in Chapter 7 of the Action Plan.

The figures in respect of jobs in Enterprise Development Agency-supported companies are compiled in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey. As the information is compiled on an annualised basis, monthly figures are not available.

Details of jobs created in agency-assisted companies in the manufacturing and services sectors over the last three years are set out in the table below.

Jobs Created in Agency-assisted companies in the Manufacturing and Services Sectors: