“Figures from the Central Statistics Office, released on Tuesday, show that over 225,000 jobs have been created since we launched the Action Plan for Jobs in early 2012. That’s 1,300 jobs were created in Ireland every week in 2016” said Minister Simon Coveney today.
“Employment rose by nearly 70,000 from March 2016 to March 2017; this is the strongest increase since the pre-crisis era. The level of employment is now at its highest since 2008.
“Employment grew in 11 out of 14 economic sectors – the largest annual increases were recorded in the industry sector (increase of 15,300 jobs), construction (increase of 10,900 jobs), and accommodation and food services (increase of 9,900 jobs).
“Fine Gael is delivering on its ambition to build a strong economy to ensure a fair society, in order to make people’s lives better. Economic and social progress goes hand in hand.
“We have continued to grow a strong economy, supporting people at work, and we are using the resources this provides to pay for the services needed for a fair society.
“This didn’t happen by luck or chance. It happened because Fine Gael is dogged in its attitude and actions to create jobs and boost investment, get people into work, with good salaries and better prospects.
“Our main aim in Government is to ensure our recovery is carefully managed and to guard against future shocks. We want to see careful and sustainable growth here”.
Speaking on the CSO figures, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’ Connor said: “These figures are very positive and show that we are heading in the right direction towards full employment. The figures show that businesses right across the country are employing and that Government policies are working.
“It is very important for me to see the growth in employment is broad based, both sectorally and regionally. This is a key priority for me as every job that is created is transforming people’s lives.”