Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for an action plan for jobs in 2013; when this is due to be published; the number of submissions received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Action Plan for Jobs is a multi-annual process which has the objective of supporting the creation of 100,000 new jobs in the economy by 2016 and making Ireland the best small country in which to do business. The 2012 Action Plan represented the start of the process and I am currently finalising the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs on behalf of the Government.

The 2013 Action Plan will once again include a range of actions to be delivered across Government that will improve the operating environment for business, improve Ireland’s competitiveness and support job creation.

I am also working with my colleagues in Government to include, in this year’s Action Plan, a number of landmark projects which will have the potential to make a significant difference to the business environment and to capitalise on Ireland’s strengths in areas such as ICT and innovation.

As part of the process of developing the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs, I received substantial input from my Government colleagues. I also consulted with a number of other key stakeholders and made a public consultation forum available on my Department’s website for the input of ideas. Arising from this process, more than 55 submissions were received, containing over 600 individual proposals for consideration. These submissions have been analysed by Forfás and by my Department and, where appropriate, ideas that were considered to be feasible for implementation this year have been taken on board in formulating the Action Plan.

The 2013 Action Plan for Jobs will be published in the coming weeks, following its approval by Government.