Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Enterprise Ireland’s mission is to partner with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is increased employment and prosperity in Ireland.

The companies that Enterprise Ireland works with are a vital source of employment in every county and region across Ireland.

In 2014, EI assisted companies generated 19,705 new jobs. This resulted in a net increase of 8,476 in the total number of people employed by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, the highest net gain in the history of the Agency.

At the end of 2014, total direct employment (full and part time) in Enterprise Ireland client companies stood at 180,072 in 2014. Of these, 156,202 are full-time jobs, while 23,870 are part-time. These full-time employment and total employment levels are the highest recorded in the history of the agency.

This continuation of employment growth demonstrates clearly the direct impact that increasing exports has on jobs in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland supported companies now, directly and indirectly, account for more than 300,000 jobs in the Irish economy - 16% of total workforce.

Employment data for Enterprise Ireland is collected annually as part of the Annual Employment Survey which measures the number of jobs in Agency assisted clients.