Written answers

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Enterprise Support Services

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the work of Enterprise Ireland during 2021; the plans of Enterprise Ireland for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6820/22]

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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On 11 January 2022, Enterprise Ireland's end of year results for 2021 were announced.

In total, 20,342 new jobs were created by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, resulting in a net job increase of 11,911 when job losses are taken into account, the highest annual increase in net employment ever reported by Enterprise Ireland. Total employment by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2021 was 207,894. These positive jobs figures saw increases in employment across all regions in Ireland, with, for example, employment increasing by 9% in the North West and by 7% in the South East. In total, 68% of new jobs created were outside of Dublin.

Other key achievements highlighted in the End of Year Statement included:

-Assistance provided to 125 new start-up companies

-€61.6m in funding approved for 341 Covid-impacted companies in 2021

-218 companies received funding of more than €100,000 to assist other projects in 2021.

-€14.6m was approved for 1,048 projects under the Ready for Customs Grant.

- 1,375 overseas contracts secured with Enterprise Ireland assistance and the resumption in September 2021 of physical trade missions.

In addition, Enterprise Ireland launched its new three-year strategy, entitled ‘Leading In A Changing World’. The strategy sets out five key strategic ambitions for Irish enterprise and for Enterprise Ireland over the period 2022-2024 and beyond.

This strategy fully aligns with Government's ambition to bring job opportunities and growth to all parts of Ireland increasing total employment to a record high of 2.5 million by 2024.I welcome in particular the ongoing efforts being made to diversify our export markets, increase the number of start-ups by 20% and to improve our productivity. I also welcome the commitment that both Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs, working together, will ensure that companies of all sizes will be provided with a flexible service model in response to their growth and development needs. This will ensure that both Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs will continue to be an integral part of balanced regional development in the future.

My Department will be working closely with Enterprise Ireland to ensure the success of this ambitious plan.

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