Written answers

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Job Creation Targets

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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20. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the target for the Action Plan for Jobs of 100,000 additional net posts is a figure for full time equivalent posts or includes an increase in part time employment. [42580/13]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government has set a target of having 100,000 more people at work by 2016. Obviously, the more of these jobs that can be filled on a full-time basis, the better it is for those in the labour force. It is important to remember, however, that part-time work is an important choice for some people due to their personal circumstances, and many people benefit from this type of flexible working arrangement.

The latest employment figures published by the CSO show that employment in the economy increased by 33,800 year-on-year to the end of Quarter 2 2013, net of a reduction of 5,400 in public sector employment. The figures also indicate that the number of people in full-time employment increased by 21,600 over the year. Part-time employment increased by 12,100. This was in sharp contrast to the previous Quarter, when full-time employment fell by 3,700 year-on-year and part-time employment increased by 24,200.

While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions from these figures, they suggest that, as signs of economic recovery take hold, businesses are showing a greater willingness to offer full-time jobs.

One of the key initiatives under the Action Plan this year has been the introduction of the JobsPlus scheme, which provides financial support to employers who provide full-time employment to people who have been on the Live Register for 12 months or longer. Details of this initiative, which is administered by the Department of Social Protection, are available at .

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