Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the elements of the Jobs Action Plan that have been implemented and how many jobs have been created so far. [20907/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The first Progress Report on the Action Plan was published by the Government on 20th April. The report shows that 80 of the 83 measures due for delivery across the whole of Government in the first Quarter of 2012 have been implemented. Some of the key measures which have been delivered include:

· The launch of the "Succeed in Ireland" initiative, aimed at delivering at least 5,000 jobs in five years.

· The Launch of a new Potential Exporters Division in Enterprise Ireland, targeting 1,800 new exporting companies.

· The publication of legislation for the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme.

· The design and launch of the new €150 million Development Capital Scheme, aimed at addressing a funding gap for mid-sized, high-growth companies.

· The issue of a global second call under Innovation Fund Ireland worth more than €60 million, to target investment in high-growth technology companies.

· The allocation of €20 million to a new Education and Training Fund.

· The extension and simplification of the Employer's PRSI exemption scheme; and

· The enactment of the Finance Bill, giving effect to several pro-jobs measures.

The Action Plan for Jobs has set a target of supporting the creation of 100,000 net new jobs over the period 2012 to 2016, with a longer term objective of having two million people at work by 2020. The progress achieved in the first Quarter of 2012 is just the first stage in delivering on the 270 measures in this year's Action Plan. The impact of the process in terms of jobs created will be measurable over a longer period. However, I am encouraged by a number of recent significant job announcements which show an increased level of confidence from investors in the Irish economy and in the Government's policies.