Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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22. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he has monitored gains or losses in the domestic job sector in each of the past three years to date; if any particular issues have been identified as being fundamental in the creation of a conducive economic environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33522/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department and its development agencies continuously monitor job gains and losses to ensure that the Government's offering to business in both the domestic and multinational sectors is attuned closely to the needs of business. Details of job gains and losses are set out at Tables 1 and 2. The outcome of this close monitoring is to be seen through the Action Plan for Jobs 2013 which includes 333 actions for delivery across all Government Departments and 46 Agencies and Offices to ensure a whole of Government approach in addressing the current difficult economic situation.

The Plan also includes seven landmark projects, or Disruptive Reforms, that the Government has identified as having the potential to impact significantly on job creation. Employment retention and creation continues to be the Government’s primary objective. I am confident that we now have a structure in place that is delivering the type of actions needed to continue supporting business.

Basically, the Action Plan for Jobs is all about improving the competitive position of Irish business. Competitiveness improvements are underpinning Ireland’s return to growth. Costs have reduced across the economy, in a number of areas including: property, business services and labour costs. This has provided a positive environment for exporting companies, who have fuelled growth over the past two years.

Table 1 showing the total new jobs created, job losses and net change in Enterprise Ireland Client Companies in each of the years from 2010 to 2012

Table 2 showing the total new jobs created, job losses and net change in CEB-Supported Companies in each of the years from 2010 to 2012