Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Job Creation

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action open to him to deal with the serious unemployment figures among males in Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56930/12]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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There are two major elements to the Government’s response to unemployment – Pathways to Work and the Action Plan for Jobs. The aim of the Action Plan for Jobs is to create a supportive environment for enterprise to generate and sustain jobs, while the aim of Pathways to Work is ensure that as many of those jobs as possible go to people who are currently on the Live Register, particularly those who are Long Term Unemployed.

The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department are at the forefront of implementing the Action Plan for Jobs across all regions, including Tallaght. The Action Plan contains a number of measures which are aimed specifically at the facilitation and incentivisation of enterprise development in Ireland across all regions, from start-up businesses to high-growth companies.

I recently outlined a range of Government supports for enterprise development in the Tallaght area to the Deputy (Question No. 315 of 20th November 2012, Ref. 51087/12 refers), including the securing of funding for three Community Enterprise Centres in the Tallaght area in 2012, and the announcement of a number of foreign-direct investments and expansions which will create jobs in the area.

My Department has also successfully delivered on national actions, such as the establishment of the Microfinance Loan Fund and the Credit Guarantee Scheme, both of which will increase access to finance for enterprises and entrepreneurs throughout the country, including in the Tallaght area.

In addition to the services provided by my Department’s agencies, Intreo – the new integrated employment and support service operated by the Department of Social Protection – is designed to provide a personalised service to unemployed people, based on their individual needs. It will include advice on education, training and personal development opportunities, job search assistance as well as information on, and access to, a range of income supports. I understand that Tallaght is one of the four centres where Intreo is to be initially located. Further information on Intreo can be found on the Department of Social Protection’s website, www.welfare.ie.

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