253 new jobs in Galway show effectiveness of job creation measures
138 Galway companies participating in JobsPlus
Fine Gael TD for Galway West and Mayo South, Seán Kyne has welcomed the more than 250 jobs being created in Galway across four companies this week. The new jobs accompany the very positive Live Register figures published by the Central Statistics Office last week.
Commented Deputy Kyne: “The Live Register which includes all persons received an employment-based income support, as well as jobseekers’ benefit or allowance has dropped by 13.1% in Galway City and by 11.3% in the County.
“In October 2013 10,290 people in Galway City were on the live register and this October that number has dropped to 8,943. This is a reduction of 13.1%. In Galway County there were 20,325 people on the live register in October 2013 but this has fallen to 18,025, a drop of 11.3%. There is no doubt that this figure remains too high but it is very encouraging to see that things are moving in the right direction.
“140 jobs in Tuam-based Valeo, 72 jobs in Avaya, 25 jobs in Perseus Telecom and 15 jobs at Vulcan Solutions show the effectiveness of the measures in the Government’s Jobs Action Plans. In particular, JobsPlus – a scheme whereby Government supports a job position up to two years – and JobBridge, which equips jobseekers with valuable, workplace experience, are combining with the job creation efforts of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to make a real difference to the Live Register in Galway City and County.
“The figures show that the economic recovery is real and that it is resulting in people getting back to work. Nationally, over 70,000 jobs have been created since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012 and we are on track to meet our target of creating 100,000 jobs by 2016.
Spreading the recovery throughout all regions of the country is a key element of the Action Plan for Jobs and this is happening through the launch of a new Regional Enterprise Strategy, by doubling the funding available to start-ups, through the new SURE (Start Up Refund for Entrepreneurs) scheme to support start-up businesses, and a range of other measures.
“Live Register figures have been dropping for many months now, the Government’s plan is working. The progress that has been made is due to the hard work and sacrifice of Irish people, of people in communities across Galway,” concluded Deputy Kyne.
Editors’ Notes:
- Live Register Figures for Galway City and County:
| County | Oct 2013 | Oct 2014 | Overall % drop |
| Galway County | 20,325 | 18,025 | 11.3%
|
| Galway City | 10,290 | 8,943 | 13.1% |
Source: Central Statistics Office
- Dáil Question on JobBridge
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if figures are available on the number of persons progressing from JobBridge into employment; if figures are available as to the number of JobBridge places which become full or part time jobs for the person when the placement concludes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
– Seán Kyne.
Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Joan Burton T.D):
Internship opportunities are advertised by host organisations, including schools, at their discretion. When advertising internship opportunities host organisations undertake to comply with the stringent criteria that the Department applies for the protection of the intern and the integrity of the JobBridge scheme. In addition to these requirements, host organisations must be mindful of and comply with the requirements within their own Sector or governing authority. The Department has ongoing liaison with the Department of Education and Skills regarding the operation of JobBridge in the Education Sector.
As at 3rd October, 2014, 27,202 internships had been completed, including those who undertook a second or third internship. Independent research shows that circa 60% of interns secure employment within 5 months of completing in internship. The Department does not keep records on which of these went into full time or part-time jobs.
- Dáil Question on JobsPlus
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress of JobsPlus since its introduction; the number and locations, by county, of businesses participating; and if she will make a statement on the matter – Seán Kyne.
Reply: Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection (Joan Burton T.D):
The JobsPlus Scheme was introduced from 1st July, 2013. Monthly payments are made to employers who employ persons who have been at least twelve months on the Live Register. At the end of September 2014, payments were been made to 2,272 employers in respect of 2,999 new jobs.
Table 1 below shows the number of businesses, by county (top 10) who are receiving a JobsPlus payment for one or more employees.
| County | No of Businesses |
| Dublin | 641 |
| Cork | 198 |
| Galway | 138 |
| Limerick | 95 |
| Louth | 90 |
| Donegal | 85 |
| Kerry | 80 |
| Wexford | 78 |
| Tipperary | 77 |
| Meath | 76 |
| Total | 2272 |
4. Dáil Question on Creating Competitive Regions
To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on the progress of the actions within the action plan for jobs concerning his Department and its constituent groups to create competitive regions including but not limited to building new manufacturing and office space facilities and the development of a Regional Enterprise Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter – Seán Kyne.
Reply:
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Mr Bruton)
The aim of the Action Plan for Jobs is to help enterprises to create employment in all regions of the country. If we are to do this successfully, it is important that the economic potential of each region is maximised and that each region builds on its particular strengths and assets to provide an environment that stimulates entrepreneurship and attracts investment – both indigenous and foreign.
The Quarterly National Household Survey figures published by the Central Statistics Office for 2013 show that employment increased year-on-year in every region. However, we must do more to ensure that the economic recovery is translated into sustainable jobs in all parts of the country.
In order to support the development of competitive regions, a number of important initiatives have been delivered through the APJ. These include:
- The rolling out of an integrated structure of Local Enterprise Offices which integrate the business support services of local authorities with policy support from a Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland and delivering new initiatives like the investment in our County and Regional Best Young Entrepreneur;
- The negotiation of Regional Aid Guidelines that extended our capacity to support enterprise in weaker regions;
- The roll out of a national step change for manufacturing enterprises
- The introduction of Regional Competitive Feasibility and Competitive Start Funds;
- The support of innovation capability in our regions through Research support to Higher Education Institutions and Technology Centres.
The 2014 APJ includes a number of commitments to support competitive regions, including, within my own Department, embarking on a programme of building properties in specific locations to create fresh opportunities for foreign direct investment, and developing a framework for Regional Enterprise Strategies.
IDA Ireland has identified a number of locations where the private sector is unable currently to develop property solutions. The agency has commenced the construction of new advanced manufacturing facilities in Waterford and Athlone which will be completed by the end of this year, and new office space is also being delivered in Letterkenny. In addition, the IDA is reviewing available property stocks in other locations.
The framework for the development of Regional Enterprise Strategies will enable us to better integrate the efforts of the enterprise development agencies and other regional stakeholders in supporting enterprise growth and jobs in the regions. While there is already a significant amount of practical cooperation taking place at local and regional levels between many public bodies, developing a framework in which cooperation can be improved is timely.
I have been actively working on a template for the development of Regional Enterprise Strategies and it is my intention that this framework will be applied initially to produce action-oriented plans to support enterprise growth and jobs in the Midlands region and the South East region. Learning in these regions will inform any adaptations that might need to be made prior to the framework being applied to other regions.