Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the areas in which his Department has responsibility in relation to job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30310/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have said on previous occasions, the Government does not create jobs, successful businesses and entrepreneurs do. The role of Government is to create a supportive operating environment where business can grow and create and maintain jobs. In this context, my Department's Mission is to support the creation of good jobs by promoting the development of a competitive business environment in which enterprises will operate to high standards and grow in sustainable markets.

At a practical level, my Department and its agencies are involved in a wide range of activities to deliver this Mission, including:

· The provision of a comprehensive set of supports to businesses through the enterprise development agencies, in particular Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the County and City Enterprise Boards, Shannon Development and the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

· The promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation as a key engine to accelerate Ireland's economic recovery, including through the work of Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

· Improving the competitiveness of the business environment and access to finance for businesses.

· Identifying and prioritising sectors with potential for job creation and systematically addressing obstacles to these sectors developing their potential.

· Supporting a business regulatory system which facilitates competition in the marketplace, has high standards of corporate governance, fosters dynamic and innovative markets and ensures protection of employment rights and safe working conditions.

My Department also plays a central role in compiling the Action Plan for Jobs on behalf of the Government.

The full range of my Department's activities and objectives in these areas is set out in the Department's Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 which is available on my Department's corporate website at www.djei.ie.